Yarra Yering Pinot Noir 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Yarra Valley, situated in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its cool climate and diverse terroirs, making it ideal for producing exceptional Pinot Noir. The fruit for this wine is sourced from some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the valley, planted in 1969 and further extended in the early 1980s. These vineyards, located on well-drained slopes, benefit from optimal sun exposure and cool temperatures, contributing to the complexity and finesse of the wine.

Winemaking

The Yarra Yering Pinot Noir is meticulously crafted with a focus on preserving the purity and complexity of the fruit. The grapes are hand-picked and chilled overnight before being gently destemmed and fermented in small batches with some whole bunches added. This technique enhances the wine's structure and fruit profile. Gentle hand plunging of the ferment and careful pressing ensure a soft fruit palate. The wine is then aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, adding subtle oak nuances to the wine without overpowering its delicate flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright crimson
• Aroma: Perfumed nose with violets, mixed cherry fruits, and a hint of aniseed spice.
• Palate: Explosive red cherry flavors on the front palate with a silky elegance and very fine tannin structure. The finish is medium-bodied yet powerful, making it immediately delicious.

Did You Know?

The Yarra Yering Pinot Noir has received impressive accolades, including 97 points from James Halliday and 95 points from Huon Hooke. It has also won several gold medals at prestigious wine shows such as the Winewise Championship Awards, Royal Queensland Wine Show, and Royal Melbourne Wine Awards. This wine is celebrated not only for its immediate appeal but also for its aging potential, rewarding those who can cellar it for up to 10 years.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck Confit: The wine's red cherry and spice notes complement the rich, savory flavors of duck confit.
• Mushroom Risotto: The earthy mushrooms highlight the wine's complexity and elegance, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Grilled Salmon: The juicy fruit and fine tannins of the Pinot Noir balance the rich, oily texture of grilled salmon.
• Roasted Chicken with Herbs: The herbal and savory elements of roasted chicken enhance the wine's vibrant fruit and spice 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.