La Pleiade
Heathcote Shiraz
Heathcote, Central Victoria, Victoria, Australia
Absolutely delicious shiraz the alcohol even though high doesn't seem like it. Very elegant Shiraz
Absolutely delicious shiraz the alcohol even though high doesn't seem like it. Very elegant Shiraz
Oct 10th, 2016
It's all about the oak, about the oak, not subtle
It's all about the oak, about the oak, not subtle
Sep 5th, 2015
Mineral, rose, acid, very tannic,
Mineral, rose, acid, very tannic,
Sep 23rd, 2013
This is the 2013 of that same wine, also purchased at Chapoutier and drank along side the 2009 I just posted. This was really good too, but definitely came across as more fruit-forward with less backbone to it than the 2009. This was also reflected in how the wine evolved over that same couple of days: whereas the 2009 fell off gracefully, this one dropped much more precipitously to where it was wholly uninteresting at day 3 (while the 2009 was still drinking well). I initially assumed that 2013 might have been a warmer vintage than 2009, and while this might be true, the 2013 clocks in at 14% versus 14.5% for the 2009. That difference in ABV might be in the noise, but the difference in the overall quality between these two (still excellent) wines was unmistakable.
This is the 2013 of that same wine, also purchased at Chapoutier and drank along side the 2009 I just posted. This was really good too, but definitely came across as more fruit-forward with less backbone to it than the 2009. This was also reflected in how the wine evolved over that same couple of days: whereas the 2009 fell off gracefully, this one dropped much more precipitously to where it was wholly uninteresting at day 3 (while the 2009 was still drinking well). I initially assumed that 2013 might have been a warmer vintage than 2009, and while this might be true, the 2013 clocks in at 14% versus 14.5% for the 2009. That difference in ABV might be in the noise, but the difference in the overall quality between these two (still excellent) wines was unmistakable.
Nov 29th, 2020Purchased at Chapoutier, we had this along side the 2013 vintage. This one was significantly better in my opinion. Less to do with the added time in bottle, I think, and more with the innate quality of the wine. This still had terrific fruit with a balanced structure that gave the wine considerable depth. Enjoyed it over the course of a few days (corked and in the fridge). It definite fell off over that time period, but very gradually and still maintained good balance throughout (unlike the 2013). Terrific shiraz!
Purchased at Chapoutier, we had this along side the 2013 vintage. This one was significantly better in my opinion. Less to do with the added time in bottle, I think, and more with the innate quality of the wine. This still had terrific fruit with a balanced structure that gave the wine considerable depth. Enjoyed it over the course of a few days (corked and in the fridge). It definite fell off over that time period, but very gradually and still maintained good balance throughout (unlike the 2013). Terrific shiraz!
Nov 29th, 2020
In a good spot 6 years in. Plenty of depth but not too much power. The new and old world in sync.
In a good spot 6 years in. Plenty of depth but not too much power. The new and old world in sync.
Jun 14th, 2019
12 years later and this wine has improved enormously. What I thought was a little out of balance many years ago is now a complex wine with secondary characteristics coming thru. Surprised it is 15%
12 years later and this wine has improved enormously. What I thought was a little out of balance many years ago is now a complex wine with secondary characteristics coming thru. Surprised it is 15%
Apr 3rd, 2017
Opens big - barnyard, hey, alcohol - however overrun by tannins after a while
Opens big - barnyard, hey, alcohol - however overrun by tannins after a while
Oct 12th, 2015It's just a bit excessive. Big shoulders, big tannins, big alcohol. I know Heathcote can get hot but this feels like bottled overcompensation. Disappointing, considering previous vintages.
It's just a bit excessive. Big shoulders, big tannins, big alcohol. I know Heathcote can get hot but this feels like bottled overcompensation. Disappointing, considering previous vintages.
Sep 24th, 2015
Lovely Shiraz. Balanced fruit with good structure and powerful nose. Very drinkable.
Lovely Shiraz. Balanced fruit with good structure and powerful nose. Very drinkable.
Dec 12th, 2015