[WTN] Heartland 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

Heartland is the "budget" label of renowned Australian winemaker Ben Glaetzer. I'd had a Dolcetto from this range which I'd very much enjoyed, so when the chance came up to get this in my local wine shops January sale, I jumped at the chance.

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Very dark purple in the glass, with upfront and striking odours of blackcurrant and smoke.

The impression on the palate is more mixed. There's good intensity and variety of flavour here - blackcurrant, mulberry, eucalyptus, smoke and a spicy finish - but the wine is let down by excessive acidity and a curiously watery texture. Tannin is nicely balanced, being mouth coating without being intrusive.

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Matt,

It's interesting that you should say that the wine was "let down by excessive acidity" as this is something I've found with both the 05 Shiraz and the latest release (can't remember the vintage!) of the Dolcetto Lagrein. The rest of the components are lovely, and previous vintages have been excellent QPR.

Possible sign of an off kilter palate at blending?

Matt,

It's interesting that you should say that the wine was "let down by excessive acidity" as this is something I've found with both the 05 Shiraz and the latest release (can't remember the vintage!) of the Dolcetto Lagrein. The rest of the components are lovely, and previous vintages have been excellent QPR.

Possible sign of an off kilter palate at blending?

Interesting. I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable enough about the effects the winemaking process has on the finished wine to comment on your idea, but it looks like there might be a consistent flaw with the last releases from Heartland.

Shame about the latest batch of Dolcetto Lagrein though - I really enjoyed last years vintage and was hoping to stock up on some more.

Interesting. I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable enough about the effects the winemaking process has on the finished wine to comment on your idea, but it looks like there might be a consistent flaw with the last releases from Heartland.

Shame about the latest batch of Dolcetto Lagrein though - I really enjoyed last years vintage and was hoping to stock up on some more.

Matt,

I think you should still seek out the latest release Dolcetto Lagrein, not least as I'd love to hear what you think.

The noticeable acid could also easily be down to my palate. I've had about 8 months off wines with added acid, and I could just be overly sensitive to added tartaric at the moment.

I think you should still seek out the latest release Dolcetto Lagrein, not least as I'd love to hear what you think.

I'm not sure which vintage you had, but my local wine shop is still stocking the 2006, which is the vintage I enjoyed. If you're interested, and it's the same as the one you tried, here's my note:

http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12748

let down by excessive acidity

FWIW, to my taste, a fair few Glaetzer wines suffer from this, particularly those under the "Glaetzer" label but also occassionally those under the "Heartland" label. I think it's just a balance issue in those big styles that have had tartaric adjustments, as Nayan indicates.

Just opened the Heartland Viognier/P Gris blend. Nice and refreshing, white stonefruits, not too sweet (!). Apricot, citrus aromas and peach and pear on the palate. Nice summer sipper forumites.