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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
Our Shiraz has traditionally been from our own vineyard but since 2006 we’re mainly used fruit from the Steen’s vineyard at Strath Creek and this has enabled us to increase production from a few hundred cases to over a thousand in 2008. The flavours are similar and, despite the earlier ripening trends over the last few years, we’re harvesting the grapes in mid to late April.
When young the typical aromas are of white pepper and eucalyptus and on the palate they show ripe red berry aromas, plums and cherries. The wine spends 12-14 months in a mixture of one to three year old French and American hogsheads and barriques which give the wines a spicy vanillin lift. The 2006 shows fine grain tannins and it can be enjoyed whilst reasonably young or cellared for up to 15 years.
REVIEWS
Fully ripened, though still unequivocally cool-grown, with a cascade of red and black spicy fruits; a long, clean finish, and room to grow. 92 points James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008
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