Wineries List: Y Wines

This is stately, noble red wine that deserves respect. It comes from one of the most lauded and awarded families in wine and shows off a blend that is uniquely Australian. It exudes a regionality that is unquestionably Barossa thanks to its bold signature of black fruits, spice and licorice. On the palate it’s like a cascading stream of black fruits with a firm tannin structure and notes of cedar and oak. A wine that drinks well on its own, but works even better with food. Watch Cracka's Yalumba Shiraz Cabernet Video Review

One of Yalumba’s pioneereing moves in the last few years has been the pursuit of single vineyard wines and this Barossa beauty comes from the Lyndoch sub-region. It’s all you expect from a rich and regional Shiraz displaying plum and black cherry fruit as well as violets and a hint of vanillin oak. Texture is key, the wine oozes with grace and power. Concentrated yet elegant, this will have your guests swooning for more.

It's always amazing that more people don't drink good Braossan Grenache when they can be as sexy as this. A single vineyard Grenache from a special site, this earthen and juicy - yet medium bodied - red is just full of classic Grenache style, with that beautiful ripe red fruit character that makes the variety so damn drinkable.

This is big ticket stuff, the kind of wine that is not just for an occasion, it is the occasion. Yalumba remind us once again why they so famed for crafting wine from the Barossa region that is so expressive. This is full of intrigue and excitement lots of black fruit, mocha and licorice before a powerful palate that is dense and concentrated. Multi-layered and long, it seamlessly glides across the palate with well-measured tannins and acids. Make sure you get something like a steak or leg of lamb for this.

There’s quite a story behind the signature, every year since its inception a member of Yalumba staff, who has made an immense contribution, has been asked to pen their signature whereupon it is immortalized on the label. The combination of Cabernet and Shiraz from the Barossa has resulted in an iconic style of wine that is full bodied and integrated with American oak. This is a wine for the cellar, it has a great future ahead of it but if you have no patience make sure you pair it with a fine cut of steak. Watch Cracka's Yalumba Shiraz Cabernet Video Review

In years ahead we wonder whether there will be a wine named after our current incumbent Prime Minister? Can you actually imagine asking for a refreshing glass of Gillard? The Menzies on the other hand has a sense of gravitas about it and remains one of Yalumaba’s most agreeable reds. Named after Robert Menzies who was equal parts politician and wine lover, the wine is all about stature and quality. It shows Coonawarra character of cassis and chocolate and enjoys a smooth, satisfying palate of velvety tannins.

We are not quite sure what Stephanie’s dream was about, but if it was to make the best interpretation of Yarra Chardonnay then it has been achieved. The Yarraloch range combines the elegance, balance and complexity of the Yarra and makes wines that are unashamedly European. This shows the essence of the Yarra with nectarine and citrus and some skillfully woven oak. The palate is structured and long with clean, natural acids and excellent length.

Guill De Pury’s family arrived in the region back in 1862 and made wines until the early 20’s. As the third generation winemaker he was responsible for resurrecting the family vision by starting to make wine again in 1969. He is the custodian of some of the oldest grapes in the Valley. Classical and elegant as only Yarra Cabernet can be, you’ll enjoy aromas of blackcurrant, lifted violets and subtle oak. Soft, fine tannins carry the elegant palate that is full of ripe, savoury fruit.

We’ve all heard of Yalumba’s Signature blend of Cabernet and Shiraz but the scribbler is a kind of premature signature if you like. Same blend but ready to drink now and perhaps without the concentration. It’s a fabulous rendition of Barossa wine showing generous fruit from the Shiraz and tremendous structure from the Cabernet. We could think of no better wine to pair with a lamb roast. Watch Cracka's Yalumba Shiraz Cabernet Video Review

Ring the bell and hold the phone. We don’t give away five stars that often but this wine certainly gets it. Just a deliciously fascinating mid-weight Shiraz with earthy spicy characters and really impressive length. Far from a block buster this is a very find restrained Australian Shiraz for a very attractive price and organic too!

There are some people that think that Yarra Cabernet could well be the drawcard of the region yet it often gets overshadowed by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This wine from Yarraloch has no chance of being overshadowed as its got real stature and poise. This wine is a dream come true for Cabernet lovers and lamb lovers too as it’s the best thing to pair it with. Earthy with ripe red fruits and savoury aromas of olive and leather this is a nod to the old world and reveals a full and firm palate with good tannins.

One of the first regions to dabble with this blend was the Yarra Valley and with much success. Yarraloch continue the tradition by making a finessed blend that sees a mere 3% of Viognier added. This not only aids the perfumed aromatics but ensures the mouthfeel is soft and silky too. As well as sweet berry aromas, there’s a core of pepper and spice before a complex and savoury palate that shows balanced acids. A contender for a classic steak and béarnaise match.

The wine is on ice, the party is about to start and the anticipation of opening this bottle is too much. You’ll need very little excuse to finish this fizz from the people at Yering Station. Premium quality estate fruit has gone into this dry style. You’ll love the nose of citrus and fresh cut apples with a interesting baked bread complexity. The racy palate combines citrus and a core of apple and pear. It’s concentrated with a fine mousse and zesty, mineral finish. A great compliment to smoked salmon canapés.

Was it Stephanie’s dream to make a Merlot? Perhaps we’ll never know. One thing we do know is that Yarraloch have made a very convincing argument with this medium bodied red. This is beyond the usual Merlot, this has stature and elegance with immense concentration and depth. Typical of the variety it shows plum and licorice, some chalky tannins and length that is not normally seen in a red like this. It would pair well with a barbecued pork loin.

If there’s one thing Yalumba know how to do, its Shiraz Cabernet. This uniquely Australian blend gets the attention it deserves thanks to fastidious winemaking from the Yalumba team. The only stipulation we make when you open this wine is that you pair it with roast beef, believe us you will be grateful. Black fruits, spice and cedar all combine on the nose before a complex, structured palate delivers a seamless and textured mouthfeel. Elegant, fine-grained tannins see it through the long finish. Watch Cracka's Yalumba Shiraz Cabernet Video Review

Heavenly Heathcote. It’s got a nice ring to it and the Shiraz from this hallowed region is distinctive and laden with character. Prepare yourself for an elegant, complex and concentrated wine that really needs to be served with food. It’s perfumed with plum and dark chocolate as well as intriguing savoury characters. The mouthfeel is rich and textured with smart acids and smooth tannins.

When you consider the Yarra Valley’s strengths, you’d have to put Pinot Noir up there as one of the varieties that is just getting better and better. This dreamy red from Yarraloch confirms our beliefs and displays all the attributes we look for in a polished Pinot. It shows aromas of plums and cherries even rhubarb before a savoury, soft and spicy palate that ends with alluring persistence. Drinks well on its own, works even better with duck dishes.

As one of the oldest wineries in the Yarra we still love to see the innovations made in winemaking at this traditional family owned operation. There’s attention to detail in the vineyard such as hand pruning and picking and a regime of minimalist winemaking employed. Quite a classical Yarra Valley style here with enticing white peach and subtle oak providing a wine that’s well balanced and structured to last. It’s drinking well now but will only improve with bottle age especially when matched with chicken served with a tarragon cream sauce.

There could be no more traditional winemaking family in the Yarra Valley than the De Pury’s of Yeringberg fame who have been making wines on and off since 1862. Third generation winemaker Guy employs traditional methods to produce wines that are made to age. Styled on the wines of the Rhone this Shiraz is savoury and lifted with black pepper, dark berries and chocolate. Ripe tannins keep it all together on the long finish and ensure this will keep for the next five years or more.

Yangarra winemaker Peter Fraser divides his time between making wine in South Australia and California, taking the opportunity to surf on both sides of the Pacific. Peter likes to let his toes hang ten on the surfboard and to give his Shiraz grapes hang time in the vineyard. This American term translates to picking late, when the fruit is ultra-ripe to make rich, warm wines with riper fruit flavours. If you’re a fan of big, rich reds, then you’ll love this full-on McLaren Vale Shiraz.