Digger’s Bluff
A wine label named after a dog called Digger who was born on Anzac Day? It doesn’t get any more Australian than that. Digger’s Bluff has been a long and rewarding journey for brothers Tim and Travis O’Callaghan. Tim is the fourth generation of O’Callaghan’s to be involved in the wine industry. Although Tim “cut his teeth” with Murray Tyrell in the Hunter Valley, he also worked vintage at Yalumba, three vintages with Peter Lehmann and three at Krondorf, followed by two years working with his father, Robert O’Callaghan, at Rockford Wines. With this acquired experience and knowledge Tim realized that what he really wanted to do was make quality wines that represented the soils and seasonal variation of the Barossa. The last six years Tim and Travis have been restoring old vineyards, planting new ones and hand making Digger’s Bluff Wines. They let the Watchdog Cabernet Shiraz age in the cellar for six years before release. The Stray Dog Grenache blend is a lightly oaked, fresh, spicy drinking style and the Top Dog old vine Shiraz needs no introduction. The wines are pruned, picked, fermented, pressed and labeled by hand, for this reason Digger’s Bluff will always be a rare and special wine made in small quantities.
Digger’s Bluff Stray Dog Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2006 – 60% Grenache, 25% Shiraz, 15% Mataro. A bright red colour with a lightly perfumed nose of raspberry and sour cherry. Light to medium weight with dusty, slightly chalky tannins, crisp acidity and finishing with hints of raspberry, clove and a touch of menthol. A pleasant, easy drinking wine.
Digger’s Bluff Sly Dog Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – Just like a Sly Dog this wine will sneak up and nip at your heels. Barossa Cabernet has the ability to become big & boisterous in flavour which is a reflection of our intense region. Whilst I enjoy Cabernet from other regions this dynamic Barossa style wins me over every time. Similar to the Top Dog this is a wine with a long palate due to the delicate pressing process. Once again, in the true “Diggers” style it is hard to get away from the word “rich.” Mother Nature has given this gift of richness so we must allow her to be represented. Like a true team; my home environment and I have struck gold again.
Digger’s Bluff Watchdog Cabernet Shiraz 2003 – I think this is the best wine I make. The beauty of wine, in general, is in its diversity and the fact that we all have different tastes. The Watch Dog suits mine, but it may have something to do with sneaking into our parent’s cellar, with the Lehmann boys, and sitting around drinking 10 year old Barossa Cabernet / Shiraz. It’s a style that suits the Barossa well. Of course, the one third Shiraz component is a factor, but Barossa Cabernet is outstanding, when handled correctly. This wine will always be sold with bottle age and has the complexity of different regions of oak, old and new. This has created a wonderful long palate and the integrity of the vineyards has created fantastic acid balance, which not only feels good in the mouth but ensures the wine will age well. Immediately, this wine smells rich, sweet and complex with a hint of vanilla (from the French Oak). It follows with a palate that does not disappoint the early promise. Smooth, soft tannins that seem to go forever. 90 Points – James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion
Digger’s Bluff Top Dog Shiraz 2006 – This beefy Barossa Shiraz encapsulates everything that the drier, northern districts of the Barossa have to offer. Power, intensity, balance and concentration of fruit that is rarely seen anywhere in the world. A wine to impress! 92 Points – James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion
