letuffeau.com
(Link)
Dappled
Yarra Valley
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“We have received a infuriatingly tiny allocation of Shaun Crinion's Dappled 2024 Single Vineyard Releases. These are, as ever, eagerly anticipated every year as high watermarks of Yarra Valley wines and remain reasonably priced for their quality. Perhaps it is the miniscule production, often just 1-2 barrels of each; perhaps it is Shaun's desire to stay out of the limelight; perhaps it is the truly awful labels ... whatever the reason these wines remain firmly 'insider choices' for the valley.
Dappled has always struck me as a passion project. A desire, with occasional regional Victorian detours, to express some fundamental and elemental nature of the Yarra Valley seems at the heart of Shaun Crinion's endeavour. He is clearly an excellent and experienced winemaker but has no particular axe-to-grind in the cellar except for terroir expression, whether at the regional 'Appellation' level, or at what could be called '1er Cru' level; the latter clearly aspired to with single vineyard bottlings clearly named as 'Les Vergers' ("The Orchard" - Chardonnay; one thinks of Chassagne-Montrachet), and 'Champs de Cerises' ("The Field of Cherries" - Pinot Noir; one thinks of Volnay).
Ambition, for sure, but long term bearing fruit. Those who know, know. And if you did not before you are thusly advised now: to know these wines.
Did I mention they also make for excellent Christmas Day, and environ, drinking?”
— David
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~ please note : discounts are automatically applied at the digital check-out! ~
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I
Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Chardonnay ‘Les Vergers’
Offer Price: $65.00
“One of our favourite Australian Chardonnays ... it is the perfect combination of YV linearity and white orchard fruit that really makes this wine. 1er Cru indeed.”
— Nick
“A richer aromatic profile than the 23’, yellow stone fruit aromas dominate with custard brioche and spice, along with some hints of butted toast and flint. The palate is singing - rich and fresh all at once – and the texture and fruit concentration (peach, apple pie) make it super round in the mouth. There is also the tell-tale grapefruit acidity that freshens and drives the palate to a clean and flavoursome finish. Don’t miss this!”
Shaun Crinion — Winemaker
Order here
(Link)
II
Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 'Champs de Cerises'
limited
Offer Price: $65.00
“An Australian Pinot David is willing to drink. Leave it at that? Well, the wine has aromatic and textural complexity, unlike its competitors, in spades but that is a given by now with Shaun's wines.”
— Nick
“This Pinot is deep ruby red with brilliant clarity and aromas of black cherry, cranberries, cola root, and spice. With time, more undergrowth and savage characters come to the fore. The palate has a core of red fruits and gentle oak spices that lead to a structured and generous finish that I haven’t seen in the wine since the 22’ vintage. This will age very well.”
Shaun Crinion — Winemaker
Order here
(Link)
III
Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Shiraz 'Fin de Terre'
very limited
Offer Price: $52.00
“A mythical wine. Unobtainable, produced in tiny quantities. I have finally gotten my hands on a precious few bottles and am immeasurably impressed by the finesse of aroma and density of the palate; which coupled to the classic YV spiciness makes for a singular prospect.”
— David
“Tiny crops resulted an intensely concentrated wine that is deep ruby/purple in colour. Think blackberries, plum and clove, hints of thyme and bay leaf – with black olive making an appearance. The palate is round and plush with a super core of black fruits with herbal characters giving great length and line. Very limited Syrah available this year, so you’ll need to be quick!”
Shaun Crinion — Winemaker
Order here
(Link)
IV
Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Cabernets 'Tradition'
very limited
Offer Price: $49.00
“Our favourite household claret. Which elevates rather than diminishes the wine. Stimulates conversation but never dominates.”
— David
“This is the most lifted and fragrant Cabernets I have made so far! Ultra perfumed with cassis and violets jumping from the glass. The palate is again pure fruit; black currant juice with long fresh acidity makes this wine very light on its feet. Elegant and way too drinkable!”
Shaun Crinion — Winemaker
Order here
(Link)
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S
(Link) uggested Dozen Order
4 * Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Chardonnay 'Les Vergers'
4 * Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 'Champs de Cerises'
2 * Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Shiraz 'Fin de Terre'
2 * Dappled 2024 Yarra Valley Cabernets 'Tradition'
(Offer Price: $722.00)
Special Price: $674.00
~ please order this specially priced dozen by reply email ~
If you would like any of the above, would like to come by for a private appointment, or just have some questions — please let us know.