This is the third vintage of this wine, a collaboration between two Heathcote winemaking colleagues, Tobias Ansted and Simon Osicka. Made exclusively off some of the oldest vines on the property (it was first planted in 1969). The wine was bottled early in 2026 to retain vibrancy. Initially brooding and complex, the wine soon opens up with pretty floral notes, potpourri, blue fruits, herbal clove/nutmeg, and olive tapenade, underpinned by classic Cabernet tobacco leaf and cedar. A complex and engaging palate.
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Review
"Most likely be the last vintage of 1970 Block from this producer. There is obvious sadness as the historic Balgownie vineyard gets set to become housing, but also joy at a wine that so perfectly reflects the modern rise of the Victorian wine industry. In '25, a strong vintage brings an elegant, fragrant wine to fruition. Tasted before release, it was finely detailed, tightly so, and worthy of extended ageing. Cassis, black cherry fruits, baking spices, leafy Aussie bush characters, earth and briar. Time in French oak (15% new) rewards with layers of fine cabernet tannins, creating real elegance."
95 Points -Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion
“Tobias Ansted and Simon Osicka make this wine from this significant plot of grapes. It’s skinny, or so, and yet plush in the same sentiment. Fragrant with violets, dark cherry, woody spices, flavoured with similar, cassis, dashes of aniseed, clove, vanilla bark, alpine herbs – how nice. The wine reveals itself over and over as time sets in; a shape shifting red of slinkiness, tension and decided length and persistence. All the hallmarks of very fine wine. All the pleasure too. Sublime balance of things and a wine that feels cared for yet pure and reflective of something serious in the glass. Quality is writ large. Outstanding.”
