Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz 2017

Region and Vineyards

The Yarra Valley, located in Victoria, Australia, is known for its cool climate and diverse terroirs, making it an ideal region for producing high-quality Shiraz. The Yarra Yering estate is situated at the western extremity of the Yarra Valley, with the Underhill Shiraz block planted in 1973. This 8-acre block benefits from well-drained soils and a moderate climate, which contribute to the wine's refined and balanced character.

Winemaking

The Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz  is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to retain whole berries, which are then fermented in half-tonne open fermenters with hand plunging twice daily. The use of stalk baskets during fermentation adds structure and complexity to the wine. A portion of the grapes undergoes whole bunch fermentation, which enhances the wine's volume and plushness.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak puncheons (500L), with only 25% new oak, which imparts a subtle oak character without overpowering the fruit.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, clear ruby red
• Aroma: Perfumed with dark cherries, red plums, and a hint of cured meat.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with bright fruit intensity, elegant and finely boned tannins, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and supported by a delicate oak char.

Did You Know?

The Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz has garnered high praise from critics, including 97 points from James Halliday and 96 points from Huon Hooke. It has also won multiple medals, including a silver medal at the Yarra Valley Wine Show 2018. This wine is known for its ability to age gracefully, often reaching its peak at 5-10 years of age but capable of evolving for over a decade under suitable cellaring conditions.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lamb: The robust flavors of grilled lamb complement the wine's dark cherry and plum notes, while the spice and cured meat elements enhance the dish.
• Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce: The fruit intensity of the wine pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of duck with cherry sauce.
• Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms highlight the wine's complexity and elegance, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Beef Tenderloin: The wine's fine tannins and bright fruit intensity balance the richness of beef tenderloin, making for an elegant dining experience.

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.