The Red Edge vineyard at Heathcote in Central Victoria was purchased by Peter and Judy Dredge in 1994. It is planted to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and is situated south-west of Heathcote on the ridge of Cambrian red volcanic soil which runs parallel to the Northern Highway through Heathcote and towards Mount Camel. The vineyard was planted in 1971 and named ‘Red Hill’ by Vern Viertmann. In 1980 it was purchased by Laurie Williams and John Flynn who produced the highly acclaimed 1981 and 1982 vintages of Flynn and Williams Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Red Edge Shiraz is made with a view to creating a distinctive style. What we’re really trying to emphasise is the more savoury secondary characters, through barrel fermentation of part of the blend, and extended maceration on skins of the other. These along with other techniques are intended to build complexity, fi nesse and texture into the wine, so that it is multi layered above the simple primary fruit, with a savoury structured palate, not necessarily big and tannic, but fi ne grained, complex and long. Stylistically, intended as a contrast to mainstream (Heathcote) Shiraz.
Technical Details
Growing Region Heathcote, Victoria
Grape Variety Shiraz
0Maturation 85 % new French oak barriques, mainly Troncais Forest.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep and dark red.
Bouquet: The wine shows the charry savoury bouquet of new barrel fermentation, with a backdrop of spicy black fruit.
Palate: The palate has upfront rich spicy bittersweet fruit, and a lingering earthy savoury finish. There is a core backbone of fi ne grained charry tannin which augurs well for a long life ahead.
Cellaring: Should live 10+ years, but certainly appealing now as well.
Winemaker: Peter Dredge
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