Heartland Wines, founded by esteemed winemaker Ben Glaetzer, is dedicated to producing premium wines from the rich soils of South Australia’s Langhorne Creek, a region celebrated for its consistency, old vines, and cooling maritime breezes. The Directors’ Cut is Heartland’s flagship Shiraz and represents the pinnacle of their selection, made only from the finest parcels of fruit – hence the name.  The vines used for this wine are over 50 years old, producing low yields of intensely flavoured grapes.

In the glass, the nose is heady and exotic, bursting with aromas of blackberry jam, cracked black pepper, and warm spice notes evocative of a Turkish bazaar, clove, cardamom, and sweet cinnamon. On the palate, generous layers of purple and black fruits unfold, plum compote, black cherry, and cassis intertwined with nuances of rosewater, aniseed, and dark chocolate. Firm yet polished tannins are framed by bright acidity, while 14 months in French oak (60% new) adds structure, finesse, and a touch of savoury depth. The finish is long, perfumed, and refreshingly vibrant.