Description

The first release of the Rob Dolan Signature Series – the very best that he can make. And it is brilliant. The range of Pinot, Chard and Cabernet are all a credit to the many years he has spent honing his craft. Sourced from the Willowlake and Mandala Vineyards. The 2017 vintage was more traditional compared to the craziness that was 2016. The wine smells of black cherry, blueberry, five-spice, and potpourri. The palate is supple, berry fruits, bright acidity, gentle tannins, structured, lingering finish. Drink this Rob Dolan Pinot over the next 10 years.

It’d take a long time to cover everything Rob Dolan has done since he started in wine. He started the Sticks and Punt Road Wineries. But also, he has mentored many of the current crop of top-notch winemakers when they were starting out. Rob Hall and Adam Marks both come to mind. Rob has continued this philosophy into his current eponymous winery.

Yarra Valley 

A region that is just too big to generalise about. The difference between Upper and Lower Yarra can be the ability to ripen some grapes or not. Great wines are made in the Yarra but it is best to know the producers.

Pinot Noir

This is the most elusive grape. It is relatively early ripening and extremely sensitive to terroir. Its perfect place on earth is the Cote d’Or in Burgundy. So haunting are great red Burgundy’s charms that growers everywhere try to emulate them. Pinot Noir is not just a one-trick pony, it can make great reds, rosé, sparkling and even sweet wines, whites on occasion and I’ve tasted a decent fortified Pinot Noir too.