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/