2022 Yeringberg Shiraz, Yarra Valley

Fruit from vines planted in '99. A medium crimson purple. A gentle wine in '22, you'll find aromas of red and blue fruits together with loads of white pepper, spice and fresh flowers. There's a little meatiness too, which follows onto the medium-bodied, elegant yet persistent palate. A touch closed at present; this will open up and become more perfumed and silkier over the next three to five years and beyond.

95 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Yeringberg Shiraz is one of the hidden gems of the Yarra Valley, crafted by the de Pury family, whose winemaking history at the estate stretches back to the mid-19th century. While Yeringberg is often most celebrated for its Bordeaux-inspired red blend, the single-varietal Shiraz has built a cult following for its finesse and layered expression of this classic variety.

The vineyards sit on the rolling slopes of Coldstream, with deep volcanic soils and a cooler climate that temper Shiraz’s natural richness into something far more elegant. Instead of the weight and density often associated with Australian Shiraz, Yeringberg’s version leans toward the Rhône, with a perfume of violets, mulberries, and black cherries wrapped around notes of pepper, olive tapenade, and faint smoke. The palate is medium-bodied yet structured, with a lovely interplay of red and black fruits, fine-grained tannins, and savoury spice, finishing long and graceful.

Food pairings should match its balance of elegance and savour. Chargrilled lamb cutlets with rosemary, duck breast with cherries, or a wild mushroom risotto all work beautifully. It also has the structure to cellar well for 10 to 15 years, developing further depth and complexity over time.