Delatite is a small family run winery that was established in 1982 by Robert and Vivienne Ritchie and now run by their son David. Specialising in cool climate wines, especially white aromatics, it is sited on a picturesque rise overlooking the vineyards toward Mt Buller in North-east Victoria.
As custodians of the land since the late nineteenth century, David and Catherine are committed to sustainable agricultural practices and winemaking with integrity. Since 2001 they have followed Biodynamic practices across all areas of vineyard operations and are applying for organic certification.
The Wine
Devil’s River is the name we gave to our Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet franc blend back in 1986. It’s normally harvested in April and May and up until a few years ago we sometimes had trouble getting it riper than 12-13 Baume – the resulting elegance and tightness in structure gives it some strong similarities to many wines from Bordeaux. Interestingly in the UK many people have commented on how un-Australian it is…whether this is good or bad depends on your point of view!
It’s always been made from our local grapes and most of these vineyards, including our own, are cropped at between 3 and 6 tonnes per hectare. Normal flavour profile includes different spices (such as cinnamon and cardoman), mint, plums, and blackberries along with some vanilla from the oak. Tannins are generally in the mid range and the only fining agents used are egg whites (organic and free range eggs, of course!). It’s normally matured in a mix of one to three-year old French and American barriques and hogsheads for up to15 months and now that it’s under screw cap the 2006 will cellar beautifully for up to twenty years +.
James Halliday 2008 Australian Wine Companionóóóóó Winery Rating
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