The best Syrahmi to date (the wine debuted with the '04 vintage). This has mown grass and super-raspberry coulis fruit in the nose, a touch of bacon fat smokiness too: smells seriously good. Some apricot. Forest berry sweet in the mouth, but also tight and tangy with fine dry, building tannins. Mouth-watering to close: a delicious supple red. 95/100, *10/10. (*The second mark out of 10 is my 'hedonic' rating.) TIM WHITE, Australian Financial Review, December 2009

Very lifted. Very peppery. Very meaty and alive. It’s the kind of red you’d label as ‘exotic’. It tastes too of licorice and red jelly beans, blackberry and toast. It has fine, chalky tannins and a fresh, clean, delicious finish. A wine you just want to drink and drink and drink. And smell - the aromas here are terrific. It needs a bit more punch to warrant a higher rating - though for drinking enjoyment, it’s right up there. My kind of wine. CAMPBELL MATTINSON

Until now Heathcote reds have delivered more disappointments than thrills, but this one tips the balance in favour of the latter. It’s an exciting medium-weight style that echoes the spice and bramble of the northern Rhône but maintains its own identity by way of the strong core of red fruits that runs the length of an impressive palate. This is a finely structured, perfectly poised, downright gorgeous red. ($45.00) Outstanding LESTER JESBERG, Winewise, December 2009