Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz 2021

100% cool-climate Shiraz from the western end of a single block planted in 1973. Hand-picked and hand-sorted before fermentation, half in oak with 20% whole bunch and the rest in open-top fermenters, hand-plunged twice daily. Matured for 12 months in 10% new oak.

The resulting wine is vibrantly fragrant with notes of aniseed, ripe blue fruits and black plum. There is liquorice spice layering that finesses structure and complexity. As always from the Underhill block, notes of cured meat and an undeniable smoke-char that carries interest from the first sip, all the way to the end of the bottle.

98 Points – Halliday Wine Companion 2024

97 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review

93 Points – Ned Goodwin for James Suckling