Wineries were holding their breath today, waiting the highly anticipated annual Halliday Wine Companion ratings to be released. James Halliday is one of Australia’s most respected wine critics and as such, his rating system  is perhaps the most highly recognised in the Australian system.

We were thrilled to find out that he thinks we’re pretty great, bestowing on us a 5-star rating, indicating an “outstanding winery capable of producing wines of very high quality.”

Rob said it’s testament to our excellent growers and top-quality Yarra Vineyards, as well as the hard work of the winemaking team, “it’s a good day in the life of Rob Dolan Wines,” he said, and in typical Rob fashion adding “it will be an even greater year if Port Adelaide win the flag.”

Our top-scoring wines are below – did your favourite make the list?

2017 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon

“From Yarraland Vineyard and produced only in outstanding years, Signature keeps true to its Yarra address, lifted and polished with a touch of class. Deep garnet. An essay in letting fruit quality speak true. Pastille, crushed blackberry, clove. Lifted and fine on the palate with subtle forest floor earthiness laced with licorice, fennel. Lingers long.”

2018 Rob Dolan White Label Pinot Noir 95 Points/Gold + Special Value

“Deliciously irresistible. Underpinning succulent fruit is a warm savouriness filling the mid-palate accompanied by supple tannins that last right to the finish.”

2018 White Label Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points/Gold + Special Value

“A delicious taste of fruit and nothing but the fruit with a young cabernet that lifts and sings and excites. This is what we love to see in Yarra Valley cabernet, an elegance of line, of sweet cassis aromas and varietal intensity, of smart, modest tannins that go about their job with purpose in the background. And then, just a touch of oak – but only a touch.”

2019 White Label Pinot Gris 93 Points/Silver

“A definite salmon blush clearly shows Rob Dolan is on the side of allowing gris to show its natural colour. On the fuller, luscious side with Turkish delight, rose petals, nashi pear, spice. Complex and full of flavour on the palate, soft acid, phenolics adding grip. It’s got the lot.”

2018 White Label Chardonnay

“Displaying more poise than Black Label; expect native fruits, finger lime, green apple and
marked acid bounce and succulence. Good all-round balance.”

2019 True Colours Pinot Noir Rose

“No barely-there blush of a pinot noir rose, but bright and pretty damask rose and proud. Strawberry bubble gum, cherry, pomegranate, dusty. Spring-like rush on the palate, new season stone fruits, dry, clean and refreshing. All fruit and nothing but the fruit.”

2018 Black Label Chardonnay

“Single vineyard expression, ostensibly white peach, nectarine and smoked almond. Kick of spice on the palate, nashi pear, citrus, new oak barely there. Nicely integrated.”

2018 White Label Shiraz 90 Points/Silver

“A blend of three Yarra Valley vineyards and looks to be some time away from being ready to reveal all. Reserved and cool on approach with mulberry, redcurrant, dried cranberry, white pepper. Tight with a firm tannic line and length with that ribbon of attractive peppery spice playing in the background. So much potential. Love to watch it grow.”