Yarra Valley Wines

Arguably the country’s most impressive dessert style wine, the De Bortoli Noble One should really be renamed the trophy magnet such is it’s prolific pulling power amongst wine judges. This decadent late picked style is the ultimate way to end a meal with some cheese preferably. It’s imbued with vivid aromas of marmalade, honey, vanilla and citrus rind that teases the olfactory senses into submission. One taste is a sensual feast of rich, layered magnificence, as citrus and stone fruit reveal themselves across a glossy, textured mouthfeel. It’s balanced by superb acids, before a finish of impeccable persistence.

If you don't think Sauvignon Blanc is much of a wine, then you haven't tried this. A full on, dead-set cracker that has more fruit complexity than you can poke a stick at. Brilliant!

There’s a fair chance that if you label your Shiraz Syrah then it’s made in the European style and that’s exactly what the De Bortoli’s do. It’s a classic example of drawing on the French influence but making a wine that’s Australian at heart. This is serious stuff and a savoury style that demands food. It’s intensely aromatic with a core of spicy plum and earthy notes before a structured palate of supple tannins. It finishes long with a spicy persistence and would suit a dish of roast lamb.

After a hard day at work you may get itchy for some Squitchy, as this Yarra Chardonnay is so darn drinkable. It’s a modern Chardonnay that pairs well with shellfish, chicken or just on its own. It’s got alluring cool climate aromas of citrus before defined flavours of grapefruit and subtle oak. It’s balanced and long with elegance and finesse that would impress the fussiest of palates.

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.

Softness and balance, two factors we look for in premium cool climate Pinot Noir, throw in complexity and concentration and we know we are onto a winner. You’ll be onto a winner if you indulge your hard earned on a case of this palate-awakening Pinot. It’s made with old World techniques so you can be sure it’s earthy and savoury with a gamey complexity to the nose. Soft fruit palate with fine tannins and real persistence this is worth hunting a duck for or going on a duck hunt to your nearest Chinese.

Top Gold at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show is some fairly good critical acclaim from the show judges and we have to agree that this wine really is something special if you are as nutty about Pinot Noir as we are. From 30-year-old vines this wine is all about delicacy and fragrance, subtlety and finesse. You’ll find lots of savoury and cherry aromas with earth before a vital palate of red fruits and soft tannins with a ridiculously long finish.

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 search for cool climate Shiraz takes us all over the country but it’s the Yarra Valley that has a knack for doing subtle wines that over deliver. Seville Estate has been producing this Shiraz since the 70s and it’s been labeled one of Victoria’s most sought after reds. It’s lifted with cherries and a characteristic white pepper nuance that the Yarra is famous for.The palate is full and rounded with generous fruit and soft tannins, all it needs to complete the picture is a steak with peppercorn sauce.

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.

The quality of Cabernet is getting better and better if the examples we see at Cracka headquarters are a barometer of its changing face. We were pleased when we came across this Yarra Valley wine from Medhurst because it was complex and elegant all in the one package. This is all about red fruits, cherry, blackberry and mulberry held together by cedar and spice. Nicely full on the palate with savoury tannins and a firm acid backbone, ensuring it will last in the cellar for 5 years or more.

The Yarra Valley has a rich history of making Cabernet, but in recent years it’s the Shiraz and Pinot that have stolen the limelight. Sticks has made a cracking example of how cool climate Cabernet should taste and you won’t be disappointed if you were to pair this with a roast leg of lamb. This wine has a rating of 95 points from Wine Critic James Halliday who was won over by the intensity of cassis and black fruits, the gentle tannins, integrated oak and stylish finish.

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.

Seville Estate’s everyday drinking range is called the Barber, which is a quirky reference to the Barber of Seville and these wines are certainly something to sing about. This is an unoaked Chardonnay that happily captures the essence of Yarra Valley fruit. It’s a tightly coiled mixture of citrus and melon with a creamy mouthfeel and a complex palate that finishes with taut, natural acids. It pairs really well with salmon or any oily fish.