2009 Chris Ringland Dimchurch Shiraz Museum Release

As an eleven year old wine the 2009 Dimchurch is youthful in it’s exuberance and colour. The palate weight is robust yet soft, with an amazing depth of flavour and texture. While this is the ‘second’ wine of Hoffmann Vineyard, the vintage gave Adrian and I conditions to produce amazingly fragrant and structured wines. The wine could have evolved further in barrel but I chose to capture its fruit and oak balance, giving a wine that drinks wonderfully now while continuing to develop further.

At the upper end of production levels of just under 500 dozen for the 2009, most vintages of Dimchurch are at 300 dozen along with the corresponding number of magnums.

Overall, Shiraz yields for the North Western Barossa were lower in 2009, compared to the previous year. Fortunately, a period of extreme Summer heat in January had no impact on fruit development. Subsequent vintage conditions were very favourable with the wines showing excellent tannin structure, together with gentle natural acidity.
Perhaps a little more traditional than the lavish, opulent 2008’s.
Adrian began harvesting his fruit on March 31st with the last parcel delivered on the 7th of April. Shiraz grown on heavier soils performed better in this vintage.

Opaque crimson, red-black
Initially, top notes of nectarine and ripe apricot give way to maraschino cherry and molasses. As the wine begins to open up, dark red berry fruit emerges, supported by cedar oak vanillin.
Primary flavours of rich, dark fruitcake dominate. The mouthfeel is textured, soft and unctuous on the mid-palate. this overall fruit impression is balanced by a distinctive mineral, slightly bituminous edge. the flavours are supported by solid acidity which provides focus for the long finish.

Ripe, rich 2009 Barossa Shiraz is here for the long haul. Big, soft tannins and firm natural acidity will see to that. It may take 20 years or more for the wine to reach full maturity.