10 wines, 10 vintages – Optimism got them here

Media release:

For Steve and Sharlene Dadd their dream of planting a vineyard and producing their own wine seemed so far flung 14 years ago when they first bought the

picturesque 200 acre property at the gateway to Mudgee, now home to Optimiste Wines. But it seems that optimism has certainly paid off, and just as they release the wines from their celebrated 10th vintage they set to work on renovating the 100 year old, dilapidated Australian farmhouse on the property which this summer will become the Optimiste Tasting House.

A rustic setting with wide breezy verandahs and stylish and welcoming comforts, the Tasting House will become the long anticipated showcase for Optimiste wines. Overlooking the manicured vineyard across the rolling hills of Mudgee, visitors will be welcome to taste the 10 wines that form the Optimiste range, together with other daily ‘tastes’ on offer designed to match each wine; bringing a new cellar door experience to the Mudgee region.

The name was inspired by a concept which the Dadds openly admit to ‘borrowing’ from Helen Keller who was quoted as saying “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence”, and duly inspired by the challenges of farming as well as their young sons challenges with disability.  The unicorn which they have incorporated in their logo symbolizes this hope and passion.

This same spirit of optimism has inspired the Dadds to craft fine wine from their Mudgee vineyard, and to celebrate their 10th vintage they have just released three new tremendous wines in time for summertime  feasts:-

Optimiste Pinot Gris 2011 (RRP $20)

Optimiste “Paris in Spring” Rose 2011 (RRP $20)

Optimiste Shiraz 2008 (RRP $20)

All three wines reflect the superb conditions from the last 4 spectacular vintages on their perfectly elevated, sloping vineyard about 10km to the east of Mudgee. Idyllic growing conditions, spring rain and dry breezy summers, then cool mornings during harvest have produced to fully ripe, finely structured, maximum flavoured wines.

The Pinot Gris has been made in the Alsacian style, with a small portion fermented in old French oak barrels to give a certain richness.

Like Paris in the spring, the Merlot based Rose is bright and full of life and has been intentionally made to highlight the rich, spicy red fruit flavour typical of Mudgee Merlot, with a balanced dry finish.

The 2008 Shiraz is a knockout with elements of the typical savoury Mudgee Shiraz but winemaker Michael Slater has added a touch of elegance inspired by the Rhone styles of Shiraz.

Optimiste  Wines will soon release their first 100% Merlot from the exceptional 2010 growing season. Named 2010 Optimiste “Rooftops” Merlot (RRP $20) in honor of a close  family member,  a Merlot-loving  old builder who is undergoing cancer treatment, all profits from this limited first release will go to the Prince of Wales Hospital Cancer Unit.

The Optimiste range of wines includes: Semillon, Pinot Gris, Rose, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot,  Shiraz, Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet/Merlot/Petit Verdot, Botrytis Semillon and soon to come – Viognier & Merlot

Optimiste Wines sharlene@optimiste.com.au (0428) 640 800

www.optimiste.com.au       Is your glass half full…?