ONE 2012

The best grapes from the finest vineyards in Langhorne Creek are recruited to create Heartland One. The vineyards are also notably affected by the The “Lake Doctor” phenomenon, a cool ocean breeze that comes across the nearby and substantial Lake Alexandrina every afternoon and moderates temperatures, bringing them down 30-40 degrees. The overall heat that vineyards see, as a result, in some years is more equivalent to a cool climate region like Alsace, yet the fruit still achieves fantastic, intense ripeness.

The fruit was harvested at night and then crushed to small open top fermenters. After 24 hours of skin contact, fermentation was commenced with our Rhône isolate yeast. Following 8 days of cool fermentation on skins and hand-plunging three times daily, the wine was transferred to new oak hogsheads (both French and American) for malolactic transformation, racking and a further 14 months of maturation.

2012 is a year of exceptional quality. Late September frosts reduced yields between 10 and 40% depending on the vineyard. A long and relatively cool ripening season allowed for full development of the fruit flavors. The wines retain their natural acidity while conveying the full range of fruit flavors and deep colors desired. 2012 is the best vintage in a long time.

This densely purple wine stains the glass with rich color. The powerful dark fruit is complimented by hints of pepper and spice. The structure of oak is evident on the palate, but finely poised to compliment the astonishing intensity of black fruit and velvety texture of this commanding wine. If you are looking for a great red to drink or age, this is the One.