This dolcetto wine showcases its unique character with a distinctive DNA. It opens with a wave of floral aromas, dominated by lavender, complemented by fresh herbs and hints of eucalyptus mingling with dark plum notes. While it appears buoyant and bright on the palate, there's a deceptive depth, with plenty of fine, sandpaper-like tannins providing structure and shaping the wine beautifully. Overall, it hits the mark perfectly.

Henry Best, renowned for his forward-thinking approach, planted the original Dolcetto vines towards the end of the 1800s. The decision to allocate approximately 25 percent of the entire vineyard to this relatively obscure grape variety has sparked ongoing speculation. Even today, the rationale behind Henry's choice remains one of his eternal secrets.

To ensure the preservation of these historic vines, Best's later planted newer Dolcetto vineyards using cuttings sourced from Henry's original plantings. In 1971, these cuttings were grafted and cultivated in a new block, ensuring their continued existence. Despite their age, these vines consistently yield remarkably flavorful yet limited quantities of fruit in favorable growing seasons. Consequently, Best's Dolcetto production remains restricted due to the small scale of plantings and the dry-grown conditions of the vines.

Halliday Rating: 95 Points