TN: Latest 2002 Heartland Releases

[markg]

Tried these blind on Friday night. Overall impression is that they are excellent value for money.

2002 Heartland Petit Verdot
Color was a purply black, the nose was savoury with licorice and a hint of pepper. A medium mouth feel and at first I (mistakeny) picked this for a Mouvedre blend, plums and white pepper with drying tannins but quite a nice structure. Great value at around $16 to $17 and I think I will throw three in the cellar to see how they progress.

2002 Heartland Shiraz
Yum, this one was very nice. On the nose it was sweet cherries, menthol and a hint of pepper. A lovely mouthfeel and medium weight, fruit forward with luscious amounts of cherries and chocolate. A nicely balanced, long length and a good structure makes this outstanding value at $15 to $16 !! I reckon two dozen for short term drinking thank you very much !!

2002 Heartland Directors Cut Shiraz
Inky black, expresso coffee, licorice and perhaps some nutmeg on the nose. A wonderful, full bodied, juicy wine with layers of silky smooth fruit, graphite, expresso coffee, licorice and very fine grained tannins. This will improve well over then next 3-5 years but has the backbone to support a longer stay. Wonderful value at $25, I think at least 6 should go on my shopping list !!