Description

Rich in colour, the wine shows a balance of fruit and oak with hints of minerality on the nose. The palate of rich stonefruit is supported and balanced by elegant French oak. Partial malolactic fermentation adds to the mouth-feel and flavour. This elegant, balanced wine has been made especially for drinking with food. Over time, the wine will age slowly and gracefully, developing further richness and complexity.

Vintage

2008 was an excellent growing season with settled weather over flowering, ensuring an even fruit set. Warm and dry conditions through the remainder of the growing season resulted in another outstanding harvest with very clean, high quality fruit.

Crop levels and bunch exposure were carefully managed to provide fruit of concentration, texture and balance. As with all dolbel Estate fruit, the grapes were hand picked to ensure complete control of fruit quality to the press.

Winemaking

Following gentle pressing of whole bunches, the juice was aerated to improve the texture and longevity of the wine. Barrel fermentation of cloudy juice, including some wild yeast fermentation, was used to impart aromatic complexity and soften the palate. Partial malolactic fermentation provided further layers of flavour and aromas as well as improved texture. Fermentation was in a blend of new and older French barriques, followed by ageing on its yeast lees for several months.

Tasting Note (PDF)