Dalwhinnie is the best producer in Victoria’s Pyrenees region, making a stylish Chardonnay, textbook Cabernet Sauvignon and some of Australia’s best Shiraz. Over the past three decades, Dalwhinnie has developed a house style that emphasises elegance and purity above all. Dalwhinnie Shiraz is at one elegant, polished and very fine, the epitome of premium Victorian Shiraz.
South West Rocks Shiraz and Pinnacle Shiraz are two relatively recent additions to the Dalwhinnie line-up. In contrast to the flagship Moonambel Shiraz, both are treated more like Pinot Noir from a winemaking perspective. The wines draw on separate estate-owned sites near the highest point in the Pyrenees.
It is an interesting exercise to look at the two side by side. South West Rocks is without a doubt the more feminine and delicate of the two; a degree lighter in alcohol and the bouquet is all about exotic florals and red fruits. This is a Shiraz for those seeking finesse.
Pinnacle Shiraz is altogether more brooding, powerful and dare I say, masculine, than South West Rocks. Slightly deeper in colour, it boasts a robust nose of asphalt and tar underlined by ground black pepper. There’s a nod toward the northern Rhône here, but it’s definitely more Hermitage than Côte Rotie.
2010 DALWHINNIE ‘SOUTH WEST ROCKS’ SHIRAZ
Producer: Dalwhinnie
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2010
Region: Pyrenees, Victoria
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $90.00
Date tasted: 2 August 2014
Tasting Note:
Deep plum red. Attractive perfumed bouquet of dark cherry, plum, damson, liquorice, star anise, violet and lavender. Touch of mint. Medium bodied, sweet fruited and elegant. Supple and stylish – a very feminine style of Shiraz. Holds up well over a couple of days, which promises a good future ahead.
Score: 17.5/20
2010 DALWHINNIE ‘PINNACLE’ SHIRAZ
Producer: Dalwhinnie
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2010
Region: Pyrenees, Victoria
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $90.00
Date tasted: 2 August 2014
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Bold masculine nose of asphalt, tar, blood plum, game and cola. Dry, full bodied, savoury dark berry-driven palate (plum, boysenberry), charcoal, lead pencil. Fine gravelly tannins carry the finish. Very upright and correct.
Score: 17+/20
South West Rocks Shiraz and Pinnacle Shiraz are two relatively recent additions to the Dalwhinnie line-up. In contrast to the flagship Moonambel Shiraz, both are treated more like Pinot Noir from a winemaking perspective. The wines draw on separate estate-owned sites near the highest point in the Pyrenees.
It is an interesting exercise to look at the two side by side. South West Rocks is without a doubt the more feminine and delicate of the two; a degree lighter in alcohol and the bouquet is all about exotic florals and red fruits. This is a Shiraz for those seeking finesse.
Pinnacle Shiraz is altogether more brooding, powerful and dare I say, masculine, than South West Rocks. Slightly deeper in colour, it boasts a robust nose of asphalt and tar underlined by ground black pepper. There’s a nod toward the northern Rhône here, but it’s definitely more Hermitage than Côte Rotie.
2010 DALWHINNIE ‘SOUTH WEST ROCKS’ SHIRAZ
Producer: Dalwhinnie
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2010
Region: Pyrenees, Victoria
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $90.00
Date tasted: 2 August 2014
Tasting Note:
Deep plum red. Attractive perfumed bouquet of dark cherry, plum, damson, liquorice, star anise, violet and lavender. Touch of mint. Medium bodied, sweet fruited and elegant. Supple and stylish – a very feminine style of Shiraz. Holds up well over a couple of days, which promises a good future ahead.
Score: 17.5/20
2010 DALWHINNIE ‘PINNACLE’ SHIRAZ
Producer: Dalwhinnie
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2010
Region: Pyrenees, Victoria
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $90.00
Date tasted: 2 August 2014
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Bold masculine nose of asphalt, tar, blood plum, game and cola. Dry, full bodied, savoury dark berry-driven palate (plum, boysenberry), charcoal, lead pencil. Fine gravelly tannins carry the finish. Very upright and correct.
Score: 17+/20
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