Dalwhinnie was established in 1976 by Ballarat architect Ewan Jones near the tiny village of Moonambel at the heart of the Pyrenees. His eldest son now manages the property and makes wine. It's the kind of stability one can find at the great winemaking establishments of the old world. Just four kilometres down the road on the Moonambel valley floor, estate plantings of Pinot Noir have taken very well to Dalwhinnie's Hut Vineyard. The cooler ripening site sees longer growing seasons and vintage arrives three weeks later. Grapes are crushed and vinified in two small fermenters before being pressed to a selection of well seasoned three and four year old French oak barriques for six months maturation.