Dromana Estate ‘i Range’ Late Harvest Arneis 2010
Yes, you heard right. Arneis is an unusual grape to make a late harvest wine from. That’s why I bought it. Dromana Estate have been producing Arneis for quite a while. In fact, I think my first was one of theirs. This late harvest wine is cane cut, rather than botrytis, preserving the fruit purity.
I’d very much doubt anyone could determine the varietal blindly (though last time I said that I was instantly proven wrong). The wine displays aromas and flavours of apple pie filling, sugared almonds, musk and tinned pears & peaches. It’s relatively straightforward, but there’s enough acidity to keep it fresh and balanced. There’s plenty of substance and weight in the mouth.
At first, some sulfur was knocking it around and I wasn’t too keen, but after dissipating, it’s an enjoyable sweet wine. The label suggests serving it with pannacotta, and I’m inclined to agree.
Good.
Source: Retail
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $20 (375mL)
Is the wine maker for this Garry Crittenden? I recognise the branding and I recall in the past it had the large ‘i’ graphic with ‘Crittenden’ underneath, so sort of like a grand address ie. ‘I, Crittenden of Dromana declare this wine fit for a feast!’. I believe his kids make wines under the ‘Los Hermanos’ label. But I may have this all entirely wrong.
Hi Keira, Lynda from Dromana Estate here. It is Duncan Buchanan, Chief Winemaker here, who makes this delicious varietal. 100% estate grown grapes, left on the vine for a longer period, increasing the sugar levels in the grape, which allows the winemaking team to produce this excellent wine.
Duncan has worked several vintages in Italy and his Italian wines are fantastic. If you get the opportunity, try the Sangiovese – works well with a roasted leg of lamb – in fact, my partner and I shared a bottle last night with roasted duck leg …… fantastic.