2022 Yarra Yering Dry Red No 1, Yarra Valley

A blend of 60/24/11/5% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/malbec/petit verdot, the cabernet coming from the original 1969-planted vineyard. Matured in barrique (35% new). A deep crimson purple; almost opaque. Uber classical cabernet aromas with its core of concentrated and pure blackcurrant and cedar. Throw in hints of bay leaf, some gravel and a little sea spray and you have a pretty special Dry Red Wine No. 1. It's richly fruited and elegant with perfectly integrated, supple and persistent tannins. An altogether sumptuous and majestic wine. Drink 2024-2038.

97 points Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion, April 2024

Sweet ripe berry aromas a touch of smoky reduction, a hint of briar, the palate has good intensity and focus, with a little astringency and bright acidity enlivening the middle and finish. Firm tannins add good structure to the wine. There is elegance and detail. Delicious wine that will reward cellaring. Drink 2026-2039.

96 points Huone Hooke for The Real Review, May 2024

The 2022 Dry Red No 1 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (11%), Malbec (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%). The Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec components are from the original estate vineyard planted in 1969. Aromatically, the wine leads with sumac spices and paprika, cassis, mulberry and pink peppercorns, dried bay leaf, tobacco and even a hint of tapenade. The palate is a complex place, structured by firm tannins, fresh and cool in feel and with a mineral-inflected, graphite-like, dried mint finish. Neat as a pin. The wine was matured in French oak barrique (35% new) for 15 months. Drink 2024-2042.

96 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, November 2024

Aromas of blood plums, blackberries, potpourri and spices. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with firmly integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of dark cherries, wild raspberries, dried herbs and cured meat. Fruit-driven with an underlying savory note. Made from a blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 6% malbec and 3% petit verdot. Drink or hold.

95 points James Suckling, November 2024

Deep crimson, the nose is generous and immediate — blueberry, blackberry, bay leaf and cedar, with clove spice, graphite and characteristic ironstone minerality. The palate is concentrated and refined with fine tannins, excellent acidity and a long, structured finish. Slightly riper and more approachable than the 2023, though equally built for the cellar.