2019 Rob Dolan Black Label Four + One, Yarra Valley

Medium-bodied with a complex array of dark berry fruits + fine silky tannins

Vintage 2019 was approached with concern and trepidation owing to dry and hot conditions in other regions in the lead up to harvesting. Climatic changes across Australia presented challenges for grape-growers and Winemakers as vintage periods are reduced from 12-14 weeks in the 90’s down to 6-8 weeks in recent years. Compressed vintages present issues in the winery as grape varieties ripen early and often at the same time increasing fermentation space pressure in the Winery. We planned for a shorter vintage by taking on a lease at a second winemaking facility to increase storage capacity, then moved to a “round the clock operation” and additional staff in the cellar. Vintage 2019 was a record year in terms of tonnage with grapes being sourced from x30 vineyards across the Yarra and an increase of 18% above average. Quality was excellent across all varieties with Cabernet Sauvignon (for the 5th year in a row) and Shiraz being the standout varieties and Pinot Noir will be the surprise packet.