Delatite Dead Man’s Hill Gewurztraminer 2008

NOTES

Delatite is a small family run winery that was established in 1982 by Robert and Vivienne Ritchie and now run by their son David. Specialising in cool climate wines, especially white aromatics, it is sited on a picturesque rise overlooking the vineyards toward Mt Buller in North-east Victoria.  As custodians of the land since the late nineteenth century, David and Catherine are committed to sustainable agricultural practices and winemaking with integrity. Since 2001 they have followed Biodynamic practices across all areas of vineyard operations and are applying for organic certification.

Delatite is best known for its aromatic whites that have won many trophies and medals over the years, as well as receiving great reviews around the world. Robert and Vivienne Ritchie planted the first vines in 1968, built the winery in 1982, and their daughter Rosalind was the winemaker from 1982 until her retirement in 2005. In late 2007 Robert and Vivienne’s son David purchased the winery from his parents and continues the family tradition. He’s always understood that this site is special and all of Delatite’s wines truly are a product of the terroir of the vineyard.

TASTING NOTES

Hand pruned, hand harvested and patiently sorted by the winemakers, the Gewurtztraminer was picked in the second week of March, two weeks earlier than usual. The wine was held on skins for several hours to extract the delightful and enticing flavour and aromas of musk sticks, rose petals, Turkish delight and lychee typical of this grape. Post fermentation, the wine was rested on the sediment lees for four months to enhance the palate and unlock the rich varietal flavours. A spicy wine matched with well balanced acid.

Delightful straw, pale honey gold in the glass, the aromas are a melange of cinnamon and clove, rose-petal and musk, with tones of lychee, which follow through to the richly flavoured palate. Flavours of hazelnut, buttered melba toast, cardamom, ginger, lychee, cloves, rose petals and sweet gingery biscuit hints. Refreshing and rich with a remarkable, fruity acidity, with fine acidity, the pungent floral fragrances and remarkable palate makes this Gewurtztraminer ideally suited to strong dishes, heavily spiced cuisines, and comfort food.