Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 2016

Region and Vineyards

The Yarra Valley, located in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its cool climate and diverse terroirs, which contribute to the production of high-quality wines. The fruit for Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 comes from the original Shiraz plantings established in 1969, with additional Shiraz, Mataro, and Viognier vines planted between the 1980s and 1990s. These vineyards benefit from well-drained soils and optimal sun exposure, enhancing the complexity and finesse of the wines.

Winemaking

The Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 2015 is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, starting with the hand-picking of the grapes. After harvest, the fruit is transferred across a sorting table to ensure only the highest quality grapes are used. The grapes are then destemmed and placed directly into half-tonne open fermenters, with an emphasis on retaining as many whole berries as possible to encourage a perfumed character. To add complexity, a portion of the fermenters includes frozen Viognier skins at the bottom, enhancing the aromatic profile of the wine.

Fermentation takes place with minimal intervention, allowing the natural flavors and characteristics of the grapes to shine through. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 15 months in French oak barriques, with 30% of the barrels being new. This aging process imparts subtle oak nuances and enhances the wine's structure and longevity. The careful blending of Shiraz, Viognier, Mataro, and Marsanne results in a wine that is both complex and harmonious, with firm yet fine tannins supporting a rich fruit profile and a textured palate driven by dark berries and spices.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red
• Aroma: An enticing bouquet of violets, plums, savory spices, and a hint of bramble and five-spice.
• Palate: Firm yet fine tannins support a rich fruit profile, with a textured palate driven by flavors of dark berries, spices, and a touch of oak.

Did You Know?

The Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 blends Shiraz, Viognier, Mataro, and Marsanne, showcasing the vineyard's commitment to creating complex and balanced wines. This wine has garnered high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike, reflecting its quality and aging potential. The careful integration of Viognier skins during fermentation adds aromatic lift and depth to the wine, setting it apart from other Shiraz blends.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef Bourguignon: The rich, savory flavors of beef bourguignon complement the wine's dark fruit and spice notes, while the firm tannins enhance the dish's hearty texture.
• Osso Buco: The wine's complex layers of dark fruit and spice enhance the rich flavors of this braised veal dish, while the tannins cut through its succulence.
• Ratatouille: The earthy and savory vegetables in ratatouille are complemented by the wine's aromatic and spicy notes, making for a vibrant and balanced pairing.
• Cassoulet: The hearty and flavorful cassoulet, with its beans, sausage, and duck, pairs beautifully with the wine's firm tannins and rich, spicy profile.

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.