95 Points – Jeni Port

Hailed by critics and wine lovers alike, Dalwhinnie has been growing grapes for nearly 50 years and is now a fully mature vineyard, producing wines that are distinctive, elegant and reflect the benefit of a dry-grown vineyard. Located near the small village of Moonambel in the heart of the Pyrenees region of Western Victoria, this iconic producer consistently delivers some of Australia’s most sought-after examples of cool-climate Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

The 2018 Dalwhinnie Cabernet Sauvignon offers compelling and elegant aromas of cassis, fresh plum and bay leaf roll from the glass, mingling with other classic varietal Cabernet Sauvignon characters like cedar pencil shavings and freshly cut grass. The palate offers intense cassis, sour cherry and savoury dried herbs, with a powder-fine tannin structure that pulls blackcurrant long through the palate. This wine has finesse and elegance. A sensational wine and as always the Dalwhinnie Cabernets age beautifully.

“95 Points. Hand-picked cabernet with small volumes of cabernet franc and merlot included. Batches were fermented on skins. Maturation and mlf conducted in French oak barriques (30% new) for 18 months. Classic Pyrenees cabernet all the way, albeit minus the usual level of eucalyptus/bay leaf. A very stylish cabernet (and friends) offering aromas of ripe black fruits, sour cherries, clove and leafy notes. Firm cabernet tannin structure, pulpy and still settling in when tasted 6 months before release.”- Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion 2022. 

“95 Points. The 2018 Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon is fleshy and bright in the glass, but the fruit – succulent as it is – is underpinned by a foundation of rock and minerals. The tannins are firm for sure; they frame the wine and assist the fruit in its journey across the palate. Polished yet with an open weave and complex in a black way, this is a bit of a marvel.”- Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate.