2023 Medhurst Estate YRB, Yarra Valley

A blend of 50/50% pinot noir/shiraz, destemmed and co-fermented, then matured for eight months in aged French puncheons. A super-bright crimson purple. I can't imagine anywhere else on the planet where a blend of these two varieties would work so well. This early pacesetter keeps on delivering the goods. Red and black fruits, mountain herbs and a little baked earth lead onto the palate, which is simultaneously juicy yet delicate and harmonious. A very enticing wine. Drink to 2027.

96 points & Special Value Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2024

This wine is a 51/49 blend of estate grown Pinot Noir and Shiraz and hails from the cool and humid 2023 season that required a lot of work and diligence to keep vineyard canopies in good health. The hand harvested grapes were de-stemmed without crushing and layered in a single fermenter for spontaneous, partial carbonic fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine was then drained to well-seasoned French oak for a nine-month maturation ahead of bottling in mid-December.

About this producer

Medhurst Wines was established in 2000 with the first plantings at the Gruyere property owned by Ross and Robyn Wilson. Located on the western side of the Warramate Ranges, the north facing site sits at an elevation of 130 to 220 metres. The initial Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vines have since been joined by Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Malbec. The wines are made on-site by winemakers Rohan Smith and Kathy McBride.