1888 O’Keefe Trail Heathcote Shiraz 2021 is a bold single-vineyard Shiraz that pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of Andrew O’Keefe, whose historic railway helped connect the goldfields of Victoria in the late 19th century. Sourced from a vineyard bordering the iconic O’Keefe Rail Trail just outside Heathcote township, this wine reflects the character of the region’s ancient Cambrian soils, renowned for producing deeply coloured, intensely flavoured Shiraz.

The fruit was machine harvested and de-stemmed before fermentation, with a portion of whole bunch inclusion adding aromatic complexity. A combination of new and seasoned American and French oak was used during maturation to complement the wine’s natural concentration and enhance depth and structure.

In the glass it reveals an inky black core with a dusty red hue. The nose opens with aromas of liquorice, black cherry, pepper and warm spice layered with subtle vanilla oak and earthy notes. The palate is rich and expressive, delivering flavours of black cherry, blackberry and liquorice supported by vanillin oak and savoury spice. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and balance, carrying the wine through to a long, powerful finish typical of great Heathcote Shiraz.

This robust Shiraz pairs beautifully with chargrilled steaks, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, smoky barbecue dishes or aged hard cheeses, where its depth of flavour and spice-driven character shine.