Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz 2017

96 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2017 Moonambel Shiraz is eminently balanced and refined on the nose, with blood, minerals and flowers in equal measure. This is super composed, balanced and, as far as wine drinking pleasure goes, a triumph. There are notes of cardamom pod, sandalwood, scraped vanilla pod, pomegranate molasses, crushed rocks and kicked earth, and the layers of flavor are defined by very fine, ductile, tannic texture and support. Super. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

95 POINTS

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

Stylish and graceful, the wine shows dark berry, potpourri, cured meat, bouquet garni, and fine oak aromas. The palate displays a plush texture and an expansive mouthfeel, well supported by layers of fine-grained tannins, leading to a wonderfully harmonious, seductively complex finish.

94 POINTS

James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion

This is only medium-bodied, and is red-fruited (the vintage speaking presumably). It was made prior to Dalwhinnie's acquisition by the Fogarty Group, so its future is yet to be charted.

93 POINTS

Huon Hooke - The Real Review

Deepish, bright red/purple colour, youthful. The aromas are fresh and bright, fruit-driven and spicy with some meaty-reductive notes and a suggestion of whole-bunch. The taste is of plum, blackberry and cherry pie, the palate medium-bodied and balanced, the tannins fine and assertive but balanced. A very appealing style of shiraz.

91 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Not made by Julian Langworthy, who’s first vintage was 2020. The best is yet to come from this estate, I feel. Lots of mint, truffle, Earl Grey tea, blackberry, beef dripping and spice. It’s medium to full-bodied, the tannin is a little too drying, and almost, it feels like it’s drying out in a way, though the beefy minty baked raspberry flavours do carry it to an extent. It’s very old-school in feel, all mint, tobacco and truffle decay, and also feels a little bit warm in alcohol, with grainy chew to tannin and a finish of good length. It’s a wine style of yesteryear, and may put a smile on the face of many for that reason alone.