2009 Best's Great Western Concongella Vineyard Dolcetto

Dolcetto is an early drinking style variety and rarely does it make great wine so it was a real delight to experience one with a little bottle age.

Part of central Victoria's Grampians Wine Region, Best's Great Western has the oldest Dolcetto vines in Australia ( the 1860's Nursery Block) and the oldest outside Italy. Sourced from these and the 1971 cuttings from the original, the 2009 is akin to drinking history.  

In the glass it is darkly coloured crimson in colour with a light pink meniscus. On the nose, dark dry fruit and liquorice aromas are enhanced by herbal and tree bark undertones. Prunes, walnut and mushrooms comprise the main flavour profile.The palate is still texturally smooth. Light to medium bodied with dry astringent tannins and a moderate lick of acidity. Overall, a well-balanced good food wine.

Sure, its youthful fresh upfront fruit character had faded considerably but it had morphed into a different, more complex creature. 

Source: Restaurant Wine List. Alcohol: 12.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $22.00. Rating: 88 Points.
Website: http://www.bestswines.com/

2011 Three Willows Vineyard Pinot Noir Blonde

The Three Willows Vineyard is situated in Tasmania's cool climate north near the town of Deloraine. Viticulture practice sees the three wines in the range cultivated along organic principles, dry-grown and hand-made to boot to truly reflect the terroir.  

An attractive orange, salmon pink in appearance this Pinot Noir-based, Blanc de Noir style rosé is produced from premium grapes. Left on their skins for a few hours, they are then kept on lees in subtle French oak for fourteen months.

The results are alluring aromas of strawberries, red cherries with hints of musk. Softly textured the wine is lifted by cool climate acidity and a peachy edge. Spicy and well-balanced. Lingers on the palate. It finishes crisp, clean and dry. Classic Cotes de Provence in style. Very enjoyable indeed. If this doesn't get you drinking rosé, nothing will.  


While we all should realise the risks associated with alcohol consumption, it is rare that on the back labels there are warnings specifically targeting pregnant women as there is on this one. An interesting fact.

Source: Gift. Alcohol: 13.3%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $20.00. Rating: 91 Points.

Website: http://www.threewillowsvineyard.com.au/index.htm