Yeringberg Shiraz 2021

Product Information: The 2021 Yeringberg Shiraz, with a touch of Viognier, is plush, silken, and already a delight to drink. The nose presents a lively and complex array of aromas, including blueberry, violet, black pepper, liquorice, and bay leaf. On the palate, it offers a fresh and energetic experience with perfumed and delicate top notes balanced by a supple, fleshy, and generous body. As the wine opens, layers of savoury depth emerge, complemented by gentle wafts of cedar and spice. The finish is fine, unhurried, and gracefully lingering. Harvested over 12 days, this Shiraz was crafted through three different fermentation techniques: destemmed and crushed, whole berry, and about 6% whole bunches. The wine spent 12 to 30 days on skins and was matured for 19 months in oak hogsheads (30% new). No fining was applied, preserving its pure expression. 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 – Cool Amaro, Raspberry, Rosehip Rosemary, redcurrants and amaro-like accents on the nose set this wine apart. With air, rosehip and raspberries emerge. Palate – Slinky Plum, Cracked Pepper, Salted Licorice It’s svelte and harmonious on the palate, the tannins are almost slinky in their form, yet it doesn’t lack tension. Finish – Nutty, Toffee, Cedar A grainy grip to tannin, balanced acidity, nutty with something of a toffee flavour, with a clip of oak on a finish of good length. Fruit from vines planted in 1999. Picked over 12 days with three different ferments (destemmed and crushed, whole berry and whole bunches), 12 to 30 days on skins and 19 months in oak hogsheads (30% new). No fining. Bright crimson purple. Aromas of boysenberries, dark raspberries, star anise and a gentle waft of oak-derived cedar. Medium bodied, gently plush and silken, this is already a delight.” – Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 95 Points. Rosemary, redcurrants and amaro-like accents on the nose set this wine apart. With air, rosehip and raspberries emerge. It’s svelte and harmonious on the palate, the tannins are almost slinky in their form, yet it doesn’t lack tension. Savoury salted licorice tannins on the finish add dimension and interest. It’s still very primary, so tuck it away. – Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review, 93 Points. Vines planted in 1999. About 6% whole bunch. 30% new oak. Plum and cherry, cracked pepper, hazelnut, Turkish apricot and musk stick, with a little cedar oak. It’s plum and plummy, a grainy grip to tannin, balanced acidity, nutty with something of a toffee flavour, with a clip of oak on a finish of good length. Still a little elemental, but good. Needs a couple more years of cellaring. –