The Home Block High Density Vineyard sits at 400m elevation in a natural, north-
facing amphitheatre next to our home in Tooborac. We noticed the site’s potential
in 2015, and then after much planning, in 2017, we planted three shiraz clones
– PT10, 2626 and Mt Langi – from east to west across 0.35 hectares. With only
75cm between each vine and 1.45m rows in between, the Home Block High Density
Vineyard is currently the most southerly, high altitude and densely planted vineyard
in the Heathcvote region.

All vines are on their own rootstock in decomposed granite soil with no clay, and a
light 15-30cm of topsoil. The giant granite boulders that surround the vineyard are a
stunning allusion to the 380 million years of erosion that gave us the decomposed
granite we find in the vineyard; the soil you see on the front of our Syrahmi Home
Block High Density Shiraz wine bottles.

Throughout the year we tend the vines by hand, which gives us a close
understanding of what’s happening in the vineyard. We use organic practices and
the Poussard pruning method to lower the risk of disease pressure, a concern that
is further eased by the decision to cordon canes at one metre, which helps to create
better airflow. Cordoning in this way also helps to protect both vines and fruit from
reflected heat from the earth, while a zero till policy helps prevent soil erosion, in turn
promoting biodiversity and vine health.

The vineyard’s orientation is inspired by our family home, which we noticed received
generous sunshine in the cooler months, and ample shade in the summertime. Both
our home and the Syrahmi Home Block High Density Vineyard face six degrees
south of west, which encourages even ripening and helps to protect the vines from
harsh winds and direct sunlight. As the Australian climate continues to change,
the vineyard aspect is critical in helping us extend the ripening period – for greater
concentration and complexity – without increasing the alcohol of the final wine.

While we harvest other grapes around the Heathcote region usually late February or early March, the Home Block is typically picked in April.

The 2021 Shiraz Home Block is a unique Heathcote expression with a strong mineral-inflected aromatic core lifted by wood smoke, white pepper and bouquet garni. Compact, confident and focused, it’s richly tannic yet also energetic with a slick of texture. The wine is incredibly tightly wound, harmonious and only just peeking out from under it’s shell. I like this considerably more than the 2019 vintage, as it offers a greater breadth of flavour and underlying power with an immaculate finish. – 98 Points Angus Hughson, VINOUS January 2026