2014 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve
$92.95 btl / $557.70 cs (case of 6 x 750ml)
Dowie Doole sounds like a name invented by a bunch of mates during a late night pub crawl. However, it is in fact the joining of the founder’s surnames, Drew Dowie and Norm Doole. Drew, formerly an Australian architect, joined forces with international Canadian banker Norm Doole and then brought on Leigh Gilligan, grape grower and veteran wine marketer in 1996, when Dowie Doole officially opened their doors. They realized from the start that the strength of Dowie Doole was the collection of widely-varying premium vineyards in McLaren Vale and they concentrated on growing and making ‘classic’ wines that express the terroir of the region.
Today’s offer is the 2014 Dowie Doole Shiraz Reserve, made with the best Shiraz grapes from the Dowie Doole vineyards. To protect their philosophy, the Reserve is made in very limited quantities, without compromise and only when vintage conditions allow for a supreme Shiraz wine. This small-production is matured for 24 months in 100% French oak, with 70% being new and 30% 1 year old. Intense deep purple, with a bright crimson hue and a complex nose of dark fruits, leather, spices and sandalwood. The full bodied palate is rich and generous and follows on from the bouquet with blackberry, plums, spices cedar and cocoa powder. A complex wine with excellent tannin structure, length and weight.
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. The climate is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild winters. The fresh sea breezes from The Gulf Saint Vincent coming off helps to moderate temperatures during the growing season which helping to retain acidity and structure. Shiraz leads the region’s list of award-winning wines, making McLaren Vale a favourite place to grow this grape.
Price: Case of 6 at $557.70 ($92.95 per bottle)
Drink: Now or cellar for up to 15
Blend/Body: 100% Shiraz, Full-body
Reviews:
“From a block replanted in ’74; the vinification is essentially the same as for Cali Road, with one major exception: the oak used is French. An object exercise in the benefits that French oak of identical age can invest a wine with precision and brilliance, an edgy character that simply illuminates the fruit, and leaves the mouth thirsting for more. Grace and power.” James Halliday – 97 points, Halliday Wine Companion – Exceptional & Awarded Special Value Rating – Listed in Halliday’s ‘BEST of the BEST’ Shiraz
Food Pairing: Braised lamb, whole beef fillet, hard cheeses, beef bourguignon