In 1865 Thomas Hardy had the foresight to begin blending grapes from different regions, believing that the blending would enhance the different qualities of the grapes. His vision proved to be right and it has since become the inspiration for the Heritage Reserve Bin (HRB) range.

Deep crimson. Intense blackberry, elderberry, graphite, praline aromas with herb garden notes. Richly flavoured, buoyant and minerally with dark chocolate, dark berry fruits, persistent fine gravelly textures, lovely mid-palate volume and plentiful mocha, roasted chestnut oak complexity. Finishes chocolaty firm with plentiful sweet fruit/ graphite notes. Superb density, texture and balance. Should develop well over the long haul. Drink to: 2023 - 2038; Rating: 97 Points; Andrew Caillard MW

Hand picked. Fermented in open tops, largely ambient. Aged in French barriques (25% new) for 17 months. An iconic Australian wine and possibly the best young example tasted. The tannin management, increasingly more refined. Explosive aromas of raspberry bon-bon, bitter chocolate, violet, clove and licorice. Thankfully, though, more than the fruit (guaranteed in these parts), it is the tannic burr that is most provocative. Drink to: 2038; Price: $153.00; Date Tasted: Feb 2021; Alcohol: 14.3%; Rating: 96 Points; Ned Goodwin MW; James Halliday Wine Companion