Yarra Valley (9) Rob Dolan Wines
Website: https://www.robdolanwines.com.au/
Rob Dolan has been in the Yarra since 1991. He first came here when he was employed as a winemaker by Tony Jordan. Since then Dolan, a former Aussie rules footballer who played for Port Adelaide, has started a few different wineries. He makes wine under his own label (800 tons) but also does contract winemaking (another 600 tons, with 90% of the grapes from the Yarra Valley). Dolan sources from 15 different vineyards, owned, contracted and leased. ‘There has been a hell of a change in climate,’ he says. In the early years he had trouble getting grapes ripe, and now he’s concerned with over-ripeness. ‘Picking times have changed significantly.’
Rob Dolan White Label Chardonnay 2023 Yarra Valley, Australia
From Willow Lake in Gladysdale, one of the highest and coolest spots in the Yarra. Own rooted vineyard. Really nice focus to this wine with powerful citrus fruit and nice intensity. Has some pear and white peach with great precision, and just a touch of oak. Finishes long with crystalline citrus fruit. Very stylish. 94/100
Rob Dolan Black Label Chardonnay 2023 Yarra Valley, Australia
From the central part of the valley. Very stylish and harmonious showing white peach and pear fruit as well as a touch of mandarin, with well integrated oak and a touch of creaminess. Very stylish with a sense of harmony and balance. 94/100
Rob Dolan White Label Pinot Noir 2022 Yarra Valley, Australia
All destemmed: whole berry with cold soak, made in 2 and 3 ton open fermenters. All MV6 clone. Bunch weights were half this vintage, and it was the coldest vintage ever. This is concentrated, fresh and supple with a core of sweet red cherry and redcurrant fruit. This is silky but also has nice structure and acidity with amazing precision on the finish. Structured and bright. 95/100
Rob Dolan Black Label Pinot Noir 2023 Yarra Valley, Australia
Valley floor, 100 m, near Lilydale. MV6. This has quite a bit of density here, but also finesse. Rich red cherry and berry fruit with grippy structure sitting under the dense, ripe berry fruits. Ageworthy and quite delicious, in this richer, bolder style. Has some stony minerality on the finish. Lovely wine. 95/100
YARRA VALLEY
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Oakridge
- 3 Tarrawarra
- 4 Jayden Ong Wines
- 5 Yarra Yering
- 6 Mac Forbes
- 7 Timo Meyer
- 8 Luke Lambert
- 9 Rob Dolan
- 10 Bobar with Tom Belford
- 11 Giant Steps
- 12 Other Yarra wines tasted
