2017 Jayden Ong One Block Yellingbo Shiraz, Yarra Valley

The nose is black and spicy – red liquorice, salted black liquorice, star anise, hints of fennel, requisite white pepper, pomegranate and blackberry.  This is already making my mouth water.  The palate is creamy and fine, medium bodied at best and elegant for it.  It’s basically begging for food.  The spices form a mohawk down the palate, they forge a path through the dense red berry there.  There is a minerality to this wine… it’s black… like wet slate.  A saline lick.  Blackberry.  Mulberry straight off the bush in summer.  This is supple, bouncy, but also tight, and polished – there is juniper and spice in there, I love it.  Love it.  Hoooooh boy do I love it.  The structure is formed by the razor sharp but powder fine tannins, the savoury spice layer speaking of black pepper (interestingly, the compound rotundone, which is responsible for the ‘pepper’ characteristic, is also present in basil, thyme, black pepper, marjoram, oregano, rosemary and geranium).  Bloody bargain if you ask me. Drink: Now, to 2030+

95 points Wine of The Week Erin Larkin

The One Block and Jayden Ong releases of late are on fire, or, fuego if you want to sound fancy. Whoowee, he has got something going on. Cool climate vibes strong.
 
Very ‘Syrah’ with a capital S and maybe a capital Y in the middle for good measure. Game meat, white pepper, mixed green herb, sour cherry scents, with flavours similarly placed. Slips into the palate in a nice, trimmed down soup, a sheath of lacy tannins, brisk acidity and a pool of pepper and gamey characters finish. Sheesh, feels beautiful to sip on, charismatic and elevates the humble shiraz grape to something else. Yes thanks.

94 points Mike Bennie Wine Front June 2020

Hand-picked, sorted, part destemmed to focus on preserving whole berries, the remainder whole bunch, open-fermented and matured separately in French oak for 12 months. A mix of multi-spice and forest floor aromas, the medium-bodied palate picking up the theme and running with it. Stark love it or leave it style.

95 points James Halliday 

One Block has earned a devoted following for producing tiny quantities of handcrafted wines that faithfully express some of the Yarra Valley's most exceptional vineyard sites. Sourced exclusively from the celebrated Yellingbo vineyard, this Shiraz is a rare expression of cool climate Australian Shiraz, combining fragrance, finesse and remarkable ageing potential. The outstanding 2017 vintage has matured beautifully, revealing the complexity and elegance that only time in bottle can bring.

The Yellingbo vineyard enjoys a cool, maritime influenced climate with ancient grey loam soils that encourage slow, even ripening and naturally balanced fruit. Gentle handling in the winery, restrained French oak maturation and patient bottle ageing allow the vineyard's character to shine, producing a Shiraz that is defined by precision rather than power.

The colour is a deep garnet with vibrant ruby highlights. Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry and wild plum are lifted by cracked black pepper, violets, star anise and fragrant dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and beautifully composed, with vibrant dark berry fruit woven through silky tannins and bright natural acidity. Layers of olive tapenade, graphite, spice and subtle smoked meat notes emerge across a long, savoury finish, reflecting both the cool Yarra Valley climate and the maturity of this outstanding vintage.

Magnificent with herb crusted lamb rack, roast duck, grilled venison, wild mushroom pappardelle or aged farmhouse cheddar. Drinking beautifully now after decanting, this refined Shiraz will continue to reward careful cellaring for another eight to twelve years.