The McLaren Vale wine region, in the north-west of Fleurieu Peninsula, is located approximately 35km south of Adelaide. It is by far the most important wine-producing area in the Fleurieu zone and is also regarded very highly throughout Australia and the world.  Grapes have been grown in this region since the arrival of the first settlers.  Pioneers such as Thomas Hardy and John Reynella, both iconic names in the Australian wine industry, are credited with  having realized the region’s potential in the early 19th century when the first vines were planted.   McLaren Vale has come a long way since then and is home to some of Australia’s most highly regarded wine producers, including Dowie Doole.

The climate in the McLaren Vale is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild winters.  The Gulf Saint Vincent lies just west of the vineyards.  The fresh sea breezes coming off this large body of water help to moderate temperatures during the growing season.  Chilly winds from the hills also cool the grapes on specific sites, helping to retain acidity and structure. The summers and most of the autumn season are dry, which keeps vine diseases at bay.  McLaren Vale also boasts a wide range of soil types, with localized specialties.

The climatic and geographical diversity of McLaren Vale is reflected in the wide array of grape varieties which can be successfully grown here.  The best wines come from very old vines, some planted more than 100 years ago.  These are prized for producing low yields of extremely concentrated fruit.  Shiraz leads the region’s list of award-winning wines, making McLaren Vale a favourite place to grow this grape.

On offer this week is a very special wine:  the 2013 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve.  Fruit for this wine was sourced from Norm Doole’s California Road Vineyard from the 74 Block.  This small block was the first to be replanted in this vineyard in 1974 and produces fruit of unique concentration and complexity.  In the past this fruit has been sold to Penfolds to be blended into the iconic wine Grange, as well as to Rosemount Estate as part of their flagship Shiraz called Balmoral.  I have walked through this vineyard many times encountering a variety of wildlife – kangaroos, brown snakes, magpies and the scourge of the vineyard, the starling!

The 2013 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve is available for immediate delivery. There are only 30 cases available.  This wine is only made in vintages deemed worthy.  To order, please e-mail or telephone 416-463-4677.  Don’t miss this one…it is a real stunner!

 

2013 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve
$72.95 btl / $437.70 cs (case of  6 x 750ml)Dowie-Doole-Shiraz-ReserveDeep purple in colour.  A complex nose of dark fruits, leather, spices and dark chocolate. The full bodied palate is rich and generous and follows on from the bouquet with blackberry, plums,  spices and dark chocolate.  A  complex wine with excellent tannin structure, length and weight. Extraordinary!

Drink:  Now – 2035+

Food Pairing:  Braised lamb shanks, whole beef fillet, hard cheeses, beef bourguignon.

Leave a Comment

    GET OUR NEWSLETTER

    Stay up to date!
    Sign up for the Ultimate Wine Lovers Newsletter with weekly offers
    Thanks for signing up. You must confirm your email address before we can send you. Please check your email and follow the instructions.
    We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
    Don't miss out. Subscribe today.
    ×
    ×