2017 Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz

Its Origins

Labelled ‘the highest and most remote vineyard in the Pyrenees', Dalwhinnie hang their hat on wines that have formidable cellaring potential, but drink with extreme elegance. These wines have captured the attention of Australia's elite wine commentators over the past 25 years, and recent vertical tastings have shown the wines' ability to shine and reflect this unique site with bottle age. A marriage of vineyard site, soil, climate and suitable varieties has helped to continue their fine reputation as one of Australia’s most significant vineyards. Dalwhinnie has been growing grapes for nearly 50 years and is now a fully mature vineyard, producing ultra-premium wines that are distinctive, elegant and reflect the benefit of a dry-grown vineyard. Dalwhinnie is located near the small village of Moonambel in the heart of the Pyrenees region of western Victoria, Australia and is a super-premium producer of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. At 595 metres above sea level, surrounded and sheltered by the highest range, this unique bowl of vines is located in a naturally undulating trough which falls away from the hills, forming an amphitheatre nestled into the ranges. The unique sedimentary soils provide quartz and decomposed slatey over friable clays; the initial design and layout provided by David Hohnen of Cape Mentelle fame. This is a particularly well drained low-yielding vineyard. At harvest the vineyard is triaged at varying ripeness levels to achieve a broader flavour spectrum. The winemaking philosophy is in evolution, extended maceration and open fermenters are used to improve flavour complexity. After pressing off in a traditional basket press, the wine is matured for up to 20 months in a combination of new and used French oak.