HEARTLAND by BEN GLAETZER, Barossa Valley
Heartland is 4 partners, one of whom is Ben Glaetzer, undeniably, one of the top winemakers in Australia. Another is Nick Keukenmeester, well known for his time working in the wine trade in Toronto (and perhaps his Canadian wife). Grant Tilbrook & Scott Collett ,vineyard owners & winery partners, make up the rhythm section. Grant had been an important part of Scott’s success with Woodstock Wine Estate in McLaren Vale, so a partnership seemed an obvious progression. Grant was also one of the first to recognise Ben’s true potential and it wasn't long before they had formed a plan to make a range of unique and impressive wines.
Vineyards in Langhorne Creek, primarily the sustainably-farmed Angas Vineyard, 300 km South-East of Adelaide, provide the fruit. The wines are made at Barossa Vintners, a state-of-the-art custom crush facility, where Ben makes his own wines as well as those for several consulting clients. The Glaetzer/Heartland crew are partners in the facility.
These are contemporary Australian wines — often surprising in the balance and restraint they show — and remarkable in doing so while delivering serious depth and character.
