Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 2021

96% Shiraz from vines planted as early as 1969, 2% Viognier, 1% Marsanne and only 1% Mataro from vines planted in 1984. Hand-picked and destemmed to press straight into Yarra Yering open-top fermenters. A small portion of the fermenters had frozen Viognier skins added to the bottom before maturation in 30% new French oak barriques.

This is a complex and layered wine; sweet and savoury all at once. The fragrance is a melting pot of violets, plums, savoury spices and a whiff of bramble and five spice. The summer pudding fruits come in all colours dialling up the flavour interest. There is cigar box and cardamom spice lending intrigue. Firm yet fine tannins ably support the fruit and texture drive the palate. This one is hard to put in a box, there is so much to love.

98 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review

96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion 2024