The Bruiser Rutherglen Durif 2010

Roland Kaval specializes in pure wines and varietal blends, often crafted for palates outside Australia, always with a view to fashioning the finest example of the style possible. Roland completed an Honours Degree in Biochemistry from Monash University and an Applied Science Degree Oenology at Roseworthy. He then spent several years as a chemist in the brewing industry before embarking on a career winemaking career in 1982. Roland has worked for companies in varying capacities from production to sales and marketing before setting up his own winemaking consultancy in 1997. The very talented Mr. Kaval lectures in wine appreciation and is a guest taster with Winestate magazine.

Viticulturist David Dunn, winemaker Roland Kaval and cellar rat Danny Shaw have joined forces to produce a single vineyard Durif, in the traditionally rich, hearty style for which Rutherglen is justifiably famous. Pound for pound, Durif delivers intensity of colour and flavour above all other red varietals. Rutherglen yields the world's most outstanding Durif, planted to ancient pre phyloxera rootstock. The distinction and exclusivity of the Rutherglen appellation is secured by a ban on replanting of any vines outside of the region, for quarantine reasons.

Deep and impenetrable crimson red colour. Virile aromas of red and black currants, concentrated blackberry, liquorice and spice. A full bodied palate of dark fruits and creamy, coconut oak is supported by ripe tannins. Extroardinary length of flavour at the finish, lingering with gummy red licorice textures and vibrant peppery chocolate varietal characters. An immensely flavoursome wine even when young, the ideal suitor to a char grilled rib or T-bone steak.

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Viticulturist David Dunn, winemaker Roland Kaval and cellar rat Danny Shaw have joined forces to produce a single vineyard Durif, in the traditionally rich, hearty style for which Rutherglen is justifiably famous. Pound for pound, Durif delivers intensity of colour and flavour above all other red varietals. Rutherglen yields the world's most outstanding Durif, planted to ancient pre phyloxera rootstock. The distinction and exclusivity of the Rutherglen appellation is secured by a ban on replanting of any vines outside of the region, for quarantine reasons.

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Roland Kaval is an accomplished, entrepreneurial, and highly intrepid winemaker from Victoria

Durif is a rare red grape variety brought to Rutherglen from France in 1908 by the eminent Australian viticulturalist Francois de Castella. Whilst very little Durif remains in France today, the variety has flourished in Rutherglen where the long dry autumns and abundant sunshine allow the fruit to develop intense colour and rich flavours. In fact, this unique variety seems to have found its ideal Australian home in Rutherglen where it is regarded as the regionâ€™s flagship red wine.

A typical Durif can be characterised as having a deep, almost impenetrable, colour, with earthy, peppery aromas, a full palate displaying ripe berry fruit flavours and a firm tannin finish. In short, the Durif shows immense power and richness â€“ a red wine with attitude! No wonder the wine is renowned for its ageing potential, with examples that are 10 or even 15 years old still showing astonishing verve and freshness. Rutherglen Durif is a unique world wine style.

Winemaker Roland Kaval completed an Honours Degree in Biochemistry from Monash University and an Applied Science Degree (Oenology) from Roseworthy Agricultural College. He then spent three years as a chemist in the brewing industry before commencing winemaking in 1982. Roland worked for several Australian companies in varying capacities from production to sales and marketing before setting up a winemaking consultancy business in 1997. He lectures in wine appreciation and is a guest taster with Winestate magazine. Roland also holds the position as wines czar with Global Wine Marketers, a leading Australian wine exporter, strategically based in the township of Gordon, less than one hourâ€™s drive from Melbourne Airport and the Port of Melbourne.

"The Clyde Park vineyard has changed owners in recent years. Gary Farr first planted the vineyard in 1980, then sold it to Donlevy Fitzpatrick, the man behind the Melbourne Wine Room at The George Hotel. The wines are now in the hands of Roland Kaval who, after a major stint at St Leonards, is well versed in handling idiosyncratic wines. He's doing an excellent job" -Peter Bourne