2023 Toolangi Shiraz, Yarra Valley

The Toolangi Shiraz from the Yarra Valley is a beautifully balanced cool-climate expression of this classic variety, crafted with elegance and a sense of place. Toolangi was established in 1995 at Dixons Creek, in the northern end of the Yarra, where gravelly clay loam soils, warm days and cool nights produce Shiraz with both ripeness and finesse. Today the wines are made by the team at Oakridge under the guidance of senior winemaker Sarah Crowe, ensuring precision and a focus on vineyard expression.

In the glass the Toolangi Shiraz is deep crimson with purple hues. The nose is vibrant and perfumed, offering lifted aromas of black cherry, mulberry, blueberry and violet, laced with hints of white pepper, spice and a subtle savoury edge. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with layers of juicy dark fruit, plum and blackberry woven with spice, cocoa and earthy tones. Fine tannins and bright acidity give freshness and drive, while the finish is long, savoury and elegant. It’s a style that sits comfortably between the power of Barossa and the refinement of the Rhône, showing the Yarra Valley’s cooler climate at its best.

Food pairings are versatile. Try it with chargrilled lamb cutlets with rosemary, duck with five spice, mushroom risotto, or a simple wood-fired pizza topped with prosciutto. Its balance and freshness also make it a great match with charred vegetables or hard cheeses. While approachable now, it will cellar gracefully for 8 to 10 years, developing more savoury and earthy complexity over time.

Critics often note Toolangi Shiraz for its purity and drinkability, with consistent praise for its value compared to bigger, bolder Australian Shiraz. It’s a wine that shows restraint, elegance and a true reflection of Yarra Valley terroir, making it a favourite among sommeliers and collectors who love cool-climate reds.