2016 Yeringberg Shiraz, Yarra Valley

Shiraz 97%, Viognier 3%. This year’s Shiraz starts out quietly and really takes its time to offer up its charms. Cool blue fruits, cherry, clove and mint aromas emerge from this beautifully restrained and well-mannered wine. The nose unfurls over time, taking on complex notes of sandalwood, treacle and black pepper. It’s all very svelte and sophisticated, with just a hint of exotic luxury and opulence. The palate has a lovely sense of elegance, freshness and control, with wonderful frolicking between the spiciness of the fruit, the briary, peppery mid- palate and the fine structure and inky richness of the back palate. It feels effortless — nothing looks forced or out of proportion — and the flavours persist, fading gently before inviting another look. Drink for 8-10 years, or more. - Sandra de Pury
 
Medium to deep red colour with a tinge of purple. The bouquet is restrained and subtle, with a fruit-driven personality and medium-body at the most. Red fruits and gentle spices, dried flowers and dried herbs. Fine-grained tannins and lovely harmony. A lighter-weighted, cool-climate shiraz of real style. The fruit does the talking. 15 Jun 2019 Drink 2019–2033

94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Three clones, four small ferments, mostly destemmed, some whole berry, some whole bunch, and some viognier co-fermented with some parcels (3% overall), 8-21 days on skins, 10 months maturation in barrel. Juicy, medium bodied red berry flavours are well balanced, oak restraint is good. 

94 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au 2020

Yeringberg Shiraz is one of the Yarra Valley’s most distinctive and quietly profound red wines, grown on the historic Yeringberg vineyard at the foot of the Warramate Hills. This is one of Victoria’s oldest vineyards, first planted in the 1860s and revived in the late 1960s by the de Pury family, who have remained custodians ever since. The site sits on ancient volcanic and sandy clay loam soils over limestone, with elevation and cooling influences that naturally moderate ripening. Shiraz here is shaped not by heat or power but by spice, restraint and savoury detail, offering a style that feels worlds apart from warmer Australian regions and much closer in spirit to the Northern Rhône.

In the glass the wine shows a deep crimson with bright purple edges, opening with complex aromas of black cherry, dark plum, cracked pepper, clove, dried herbs and a subtle ferrous, earthy note that speaks clearly of the Yeringberg soils. The palate is medium bodied yet intensely flavoured, layering dark berries, spice and savoury nuances with fine, chalky tannins and a line of fresh acidity that gives length and poise. It is a superb match for roast lamb, duck, game birds and earthy mushroom dishes, and it rewards patience in the cellar, evolving beautifully over ten to twenty years as notes of leather, olive, smoked meat and spice emerge. Yeringberg Shiraz is a wine of history, place and quiet confidence, one that shows just how elegant and age worthy Yarra Valley Shiraz can be.