Delatite Riesling 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

The Riesling fruit was picked over the last week in March and the first fortnight of April, with the warm and dry weather preceding the harvest making it one of the earliest vintage in 35 years for Delatite. The wine shows strong grapefruit and lime aromas, combined with some regional floral tones; it has great length of flavour, a mineral finish and a lovely crisp natural acidity. This is a wine to enjoy when young, or to cellar with confidence for up to 15 years.