Region and Vineyards
Heathcote sits in Central Victoria along the flanks of the Mount Camel Range (160-320 m). Warm summer days are tempered by altitude and southerly winds funneled along the slopes, delivering a high diurnal range that helps retain acidity—one of the signatures of Heathcote Shiraz. Rainfall is modest and fairly even; hillside sites largely avoid frost. Beneath the vines lies a vivid red, calcareous Cambrian soil derived from weathered greenstone. Noted for water-holding capacity, it enables widespread dry farming and contributes to wines that are deeply colored, ripe yet poised.
La Pleiade is sourced from these ancient red soils, sometimes called "Cambrian earth." The combination of warm days, cool nights and iron-rich, decomposed igneous substrates builds concentration without sacrificing freshness, yielding Shiraz with plush dark fruit, sweet spice and a mineral thread. In short, Heathcote marries generosity to precision—exactly the profile this cuvée seeks to capture.
Winemaking
The 2018 is 100% Shiraz (hand-harvested at full maturity by late March). Grapes are gently destemmed, then fermented for approximately six weeks in open concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts—an approach that maximizes aromatic complexity and fine-grained tannin while preserving terroir expression.
After a light pressing, the wine matures 12 months in new French oak in the Heathcote cellar, with minimal intervention. The élevage adds polish and texture—subtle cedar, cocoa and baking spice—while keeping the fruit and mineral line at the fore. Expected longevity is up to 20 years; decanting is advised in youth.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep magenta, densely hued with a youthful rim.
- Aroma: Black cherry, plum and blackberry layered with star anise, black pepper and clove; hints of violet and graphite over a ferrous, stony undertow.
- Palate: Full-bodied yet poised; a rich core of dark fruits framed by vibrant acidity and velvety, mouth-coating tannins. Sweet spice and discreet new oak lift segue to a long, mineral-inflected finish.
Did you know?
La Pleiade is a collaborative wine born from Michel & Corinne Chapoutier and Ron & Elva Laughton (Jasper Hill). The label "Domaine Cambrien" nods directly to the region's ancient Cambrian soils that define Heathcote's identity.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Seven-hour roasted lamb: Long, slow cooking builds sweetness and gelatinous texture that mirrors the wine's depth, while savory herbs resonate with its spice and mineral notes.
- Beef Wellington: The buttery pastry and mushroom duxelles meet the Shiraz's plush fruit and new-oak sheen; tannins cut the richness for balance.
- Charred eggplant with miso glaze: Smoky, umami-laden vegetable notes echo the wine's savory spice and bring out its floral lift.
- Pepper-crusted venison loin: Lean game suits the wine's firm structure; black pepper and juniper bridge to the Shiraz's peppery, dark-fruited profile.
