Yeringberg Chardonnay 2021

Product Information: The 2021 Yeringberg Chardonnay is a testament to a stellar vintage, offering immediate appeal and a sense of depth. It opens with delicate aromas of white peach, nectarine, and citrus blossom, progressing into richer notes of mealy hazelnut and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, it delivers classical Yeringberg richness and intensity, mirroring the nose and revealing more complexity as it evolves. The wine has a wonderful texture, culminating in a long, complex, and almost creamy finish. Simply superb. The grapes were picked in two stages, two weeks apart. They were fully crushed and destemmed, with a combination of natural and inoculated fermentation taking place in barrels, and some in tanks. The wine was then racked into 35% new hogsheads, with 35% undergoing malolactic fermentation to add further complexity. Maker: Guill de Pury grew up next to the then-defunct 19th-century winery in Coldstream, which had ceased production in 1921 due to a lack of interest in fine table wines. In 1969, Guill and his wife Katherine decided to revive the vineyard and start over, gradually restoring both the site and the reputation of this historic Australian estate. Their first commercial wine was released in 1974. Since 2008, their daughter Sandra has taken over winemaking duties, while her brother David, who holds a PhD in plant physiology, manages the vineyards alongside Yeringberg’s grass-fed lamb and cattle operations. Sandra’s journey to becoming a fourth-generation winemaker was unconventional. She initially worked as a chef in Hong Kong after gaining kitchen experience and studying hotel management in Switzerland. She later earned an MBA from the University of Melbourne, followed by a scholarship to the University of Chicago. After a successful five-year stint as a consultant, her heritage caught up with her, and she turned to winemaking. Sandra completed a degree in oenology and now views her craft as “the perfect combination of intellectual, physical, and sensory engagement.” Yeringberg’s commitment to the future is reflected in their ongoing evolution. A new winery is currently in the design phase, and a vineyard replanting program began in 2020 to adapt to climate change and phylloxera. The establishment of two new vineyard sites on south- and east-facing slopes marks an exciting future for one of the Yarra Valley’s most historic and important producers. The Philosophy: The de Pury family, pioneers of the Yarra Valley, are renowned for producing wines of finesse and elegance that epitomise the best the region can offer. The wines are crafted from some of the oldest vines in the valley and are known for their longevity, made in limited quantities. Yeringberg wines come from low-yielding vines re-established on the heart of what was one of the most famous vineyards of the 19th century. In riper years, the red wines display a velvety generosity rarely encountered in the region, without sacrificing their varietal character. Nose – Ripe Yellow Peach, Citrus Blossom, Hazelnut Aromas of ripe yellow peach, a soupçon of freshly churned butter and toasted almonds. Palate – Creamy Texture, Ripe Stonefruit, Grapefruit Acidity It’s smooth and glossy, a lick of buttery richness, but shot through with grapefruity acidity, a fine graininess to texture, some toasty oak Finish – Toasty Oak, Smoky Nuts, Detailed Finish Full Chardonnay flavour on a finish of excellent length, the drive is long and it finishes nicely drying. A bright green gold. Aromas of ripe yellow peach, a soupçon of freshly churned butter and toasted almonds. While creamily textured and concentrated, there’s also a fine bead of acidity running through the wine. Finishes with a gentle pithiness and can be drunk with confidence now and over the next four to six years.” – Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 94 Points. 35% malo, 35% new hogsheads. Two picks, two weeks apart. Peach and lime, mint nougat, some white flowers, toasted cashew and spice. It’s smooth and glossy, a lick of buttery richness, but shot through with grapefruity acidity, a fine graininess to texture, some toasty oak, and full Chardonnay flavour on a finish of excellent length. A little old school, but so pleasing in that way – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 94 Points. Light straw yellow in the glass. Subtle nose of white stone fruit, baking pastry and roast hazelnuts. A medium bodied and well balance palate that straddles the line between generosity and tension very well. The core shows ripe stone fruits with a smoky nut layer lingering underneath. Acidity works its way into the picture as the power builds and ensures the drive is long and it finishes