Heathcote Winery 2002 Mail Coach Shiraz April 04 – about $25.

I must admit that I am not a great fan of many Shiraz Viognier blends, finding many of them too sweet and confected, but I have enjoyed previous vintages of this wine. Bright, impenetrable dark purple, the bouquet is both complex and inviting, showing savoury characters with some sweetness below the dark fruit and spice. Nary a touch of Viognier is found on the nose with only the smallest sign of it showing on the palate.

Spicy, almost racy white pepper on the uptake with plum, aniseed and dark chocolate combines to form an excellent level of complexity, which finishes to blackberry. Tannins are still powdery but smooth and reasonably soft; they will benefit from some time in the bottle, fruit is deep seated and persistent. It is reasonably clean but still maintains excellent interest. Rated as Highly Recommended (just) with **** for value, this is one that is defiantly worth buying and leaving in the cellar for a few years.