Scotch College

Wines from the High Country

Delatite winery, situated on steep hillsides facing Mount Buller, provided the wines for the OSC Wine and Food Society's second function for 2002, on 2 May. Viticulturist David Ritchie, whose family has owned and operated the winery since its establishment in 1968, provided a brief history of Delatite and introduced each of the wines available for tasting.

Although not known for its sparkling wines, Delatite's first offering was the 1996 Demelza made entirely from Pinot Noir fruit. It is an elegant wine with length and depth on the palate - a wine of flavour and complexity highly suitable as an aperitif or as a food wine.

Three still whites followed, led by the 2001 Pinot Gris, an almost colourless first crop wine, which shows some promise. The 2001 Dead Man's Hill Gewürztraminer with its strong lychee character preceded the 'serious' white of the evening, the 2001 V.S. Riesling with its concentrated lime and citrus characters - a Riesling that will last well.

Three reds followed, with the 1998 Shiraz first up. It is typical of a cooler climate Shiraz with great flavour and will benefit from some years of cellaring.

Next was the 1998 Devil's River with defined and intense fruit due to the dry season. Predominantly a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with about 20% Malbec and some Cabernet franc for breadth, it is a well-balanced wine.

Finishing the presentation was the 1998 R.J. produced in limited quantities to maintain quality. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec and will cellar beautifully for up to ten years.

Wonderful bread and cheese came, as usual, from Phillippas of Richmond and Richmond Hill Café and Larder, the fig and anise sourdough and the Piave, a natural rind hard cheese from Gorziz in Italy's north, proving most popular.

The evening ended with a presentation of a gift and certificate conferring Life Membership on Neville Taylor for his outstanding service to the Society.

Events planned for 2002 include a dinner at Grossi Florentino on 18 June and a Mornington Peninsula Winery Walk in conjunction with the OSC Bushwalking Club on 4 August. Further details can be obtained from Hamish Long on 0422 233 333.

David Thomson