Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Yarra Valley, located in Gruyere, Australia, is renowned for its cool climate and diverse terroirs, which contribute to the production of high-quality wines. The region benefits from a moderate climate with significant diurnal temperature variation, providing an extended growing season that enhances the development of complex flavors in the grapes.

The first plantings at Yarra Yering were made in 1969, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec being among the original varieties. The vineyards are planted on a mix of well-drained soils, ideal for growing these grape varieties. The Merlot vines are interplanted with Cabernet Sauvignon, while Petit Verdot is grown on the hillside of newly acquired land. These unique conditions allow for the creation of wines with distinctive character and depth.

Winemaking

The Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 is meticulously crafted, beginning with hand-harvesting and careful sorting of the best berries. The winemaking process involves crushing the Cabernet Sauvignon to build structure during fermentation, while Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot undergo whole berry fermentation to enhance fragrance and palate flesh.

Fermentation takes place in half-tonne fermenters with twice-daily hand plunging, and some Cabernet Sauvignon sees extended skin contact. The individual components are aged separately in French oak barrels, with only 40% being new, for 15 months before being blended just prior to bottling. This approach ensures that each variety's unique characteristics are preserved and integrated seamlessly into the final blend.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red
• Aroma: A lifted nose with complex aromas of blackberry, aniseed, sarsaparilla, bergamot, and bay leaf.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a vibrant core of fruit and signature Yarra Valley acidity. The palate is finely structured with elegant tannins and a long, poised finish.

Did You Know?

Yarra Yering is one of the most acclaimed wineries in Australia, with its wines consistently receiving high praise from critics. This wine, classified as "Outstanding" by Langton's, reflects the winery's commitment to quality and tradition.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lamb: The robust flavors of grilled lamb complement the wine's blackberry and aniseed notes, while the acidity balances the richness of the meat.
• Beef Bourguignon: The wine's complex aroma and structured palate enhance the savory flavors and tender texture of this classic dish.
• Aged Cheddar: The sharpness of aged cheddar pairs well with the wine's vibrant fruit and fine tannins, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• Herb-Crusted Pork Loin: The aromatic herbs and succulent pork are a perfect match for the wine's fragrance and medium-bodied structure.

History of Yarra Yering Estate

The Yarra Yering estate was founded by Dr. Bailey Carrodus in 1969. The first vintage, produced in 1973, included the now iconic Dry Red Wine No. 1 and Dry Red Wine No. 2. Dr. Carrodus' vision and dedication to quality laid the foundation for the estate's reputation for producing exceptional wines. Over the years, Yarra Yering has continued to innovate and maintain its high standards, contributing significantly to the Yarra Valley's status as a premier wine-producing region.

Today, the legacy of Dr. Carrodus is honored by winemaker Sarah Crowe, who joined the estate in 2013. Recognized as James Halliday's Australian Winemaker of the Year in 2017, Sarah Crowe brings a focus on meticulous vineyard management and minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the unique characteristics of the estate's fruit to shine through in each bottle.

Region and Vineyards

Yarra Yering's 28 hectares of vines are located at the foot of the Warramate Hills in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. The vineyard is planted on a northerly slope, providing excellent drainage, full-day sun exposure, and enough elevation to avoid spring frosts. This unique location contributes to the production of balanced, precise, and elegant wines. The vines are grown without irrigation, ensuring that they develop deep root systems and produce high-quality fruit.

The vineyard is known for its diversity of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, among others. The meticulous vineyard practices and the specific terroir of the Yarra Valley allow Yarra Yering to produce wines with distinct character and exceptional aging potential.

Wine Range

Yarra Yering offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of the vineyard. Key wines include:

• Dry Red Wine No. 1: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, known for its complexity and aging potential.
• Dry Red Wine No. 2: A Shiraz-dominant blend with Mataro and Viognier, celebrated for its depth and spicy character.
• Underhill Shiraz: A single-vineyard Shiraz known for its elegance, with dark cherry and plum flavors interwoven with spice and cured meat notes.
• Agincourt Cabernet Malbec: A structured and balanced blend showcasing the best of both varieties.

Did You Know?

Yarra Yering's winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural expression of the vineyard to come through. All fruit is hand-picked and carefully sorted before being fermented in small batches, ensuring that only the best quality fruit is used in their wines. This dedication to quality and tradition has helped Yarra Yering maintain its reputation as one of Australia's leading wineries.