Dalwhinnie - New Releases

The 2007 Dalwhinnie Chardonnay is a strong Chardonnay. While it tastes of pear and white peach, this wine is not about its fruit. It has a lot of minerality, also some hazelnut. This is a complex wine, which is somewhat held back by its slightly plump finish.

Score: 92/0

The flagship 2008 Dalwhinnie Shiraz is curiously different from the normal style for this wine. The bouquet jumps out of the glass with berry and plum flavours. The wine is much more open than usual. The same flavours are on the palate in a fairly big and ripe style. This ripeness almost outmuscles the trademark velvety fine tannins and smooth finish. I don't know if this is an exception due to the vintage or if we are seeing a change in style. Personally, I hope it is the former. I would also suggest that it is probably best to drink this wine within five years, although it might last quite a bit longer. Why do Victorian Shirazes try to be Barossan and Barossa wines Victorian?

Score: 94/0

The 2008 Dalwhinnie Cabernet Sauvignon is quite a different proposition. It tastes of red- and blackcurrant, but is really tight at present. The tannins are quite stringent as well. This wine will live for a long time, but I am not sure it has the fruit for an outstanding experience down track.

Score: 90/0