2005 Warrabilla Reserve Durif

Established in 1991 Warrabilla has quickly established a cult following and is widely regarded as Rutherglen’s leading producer of big blockbuster reds. Australian wine writer JAMES HALLIDAY seems to agree, giving the winery a five star rating and describes the trio of Durif, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz as “quintessential examples of Rutherglen red wine at its best.”

Along with low yielding high quality fruit, winemaker Andrew Sutherland-Smith employs traditional winemaking techniques to fashion these superbly structured vinuous monuments. Rutherglen’s sunny climate and unique terroir naturally suits the development of massive flavours, particularly from Shiraz & Durif. However, whilst these varieties offer extraordinary colour, they can also present unripe tannins which can play havoc with the wines balance. High alcohol levels are required to achieve physiological ripeness and maximum flavour profiles, yet at the same time 'porty' reds are to be avoided (a seemingly paradoxical situation finding parallels with the big reds from Heathcote.) Andrew consistently gets the equation right – whilst the wines are massive and display very ripe fruit they still manage to maintain balance - there is no sense of portiness or jaminess. The 2005’s are another outstanding collection from Warrabilla.

Apart from the amazing world renown fortified’s that originate from Rutherglen, the region is also famous for it’s Durif. Warrabilla consistently produces the best examples the region has to offer – super saturated in colour, hugely concentrated and monumental in structure - these are the ideal winter drinking red. Totally opaque black purple colour displaying great colour saturation. Superb nose of dark chocolate, vanilla and ripe morello cherries. Full bodied palate. Flavours of morello cherries, spice, vanilla and dark chocolate fill the palate. Fine, dry and slightly chalky tannins with a hint of smoky oak emerging. Long aftertaste and morello cherry and spice.
Cellar 3-4 years (2009-2010)
Alc/Vol: 15.5%

Other Reviews...
Needless to say, impenetrable colour; a profusion of black fruits, dark chocolate, licorice, spice are all welded together; the tannins are soft, the oak incidental.
Rating 94
Drink 2020
"James Halliday - 2007 Australian Wine Companion"