Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz

Description

Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz is one of the very best Shiraz wines made in the Victoria wine-growing region of Australia.

Dalwhinnie istself is situated near the small village of Moonambel in the centre of the Pyrenees region of Western Victoria. The Dalwhinnie vineyards are at 595 metres above sea level in the highest and most remote area of the Pyrenees wine growing district. Situated in a natural amphitheatre, and sheltered by the surrounding hills, there is a local meso-climate – the site is completely frost free which allows the grapes to reach full, optimum ripeness in 9 years out of 10. Ownership of Dalwhinnie has remained within one family. In 1972 the remote property was purchased. The founder, Ballarat architect Ewan Jones, established the vineyard in 1976. His eldest son David, has managed it since 1983 and, with his wife, Jenny, has owned it since 1994.

The grapes for the Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz are harvested at peak ripeness and maturity over two passes through the vineyard. The grapes were crushed, de-stemmed, inoculated and fermented in small open fermenters. Temperature is controlled at around 26 degrees C and after a 7 day ferment there is a further 2 weeks of skin contact post alcoholic fermentation. The wine is then pressed out in a large pneumatic press then pumped into French oak barriques for 17 – 18 months oak maturation in 100% French barrels (one third new oak, two thirds 2-3 year old oak).

Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz is, unsurprisingly, 100% Shiraz and is a great reminder of what high quality Victorian Shiraz should be. It is listed as “excellent” in the Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.

Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.