2006 Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz, Yarra Valley, Victoria

A much broader, denser wine than the No. 2, the Underhill Shiraz is from separate parcel of vines adjacent to the winery. The original plan was for the fruit to go into No 2. blend, however the stronger clay content in the soils has produced a wine with an identity all of its own, with remarkable texture and meaty, smoky bacon notes that offers the juiciest of tannins. With the soaring heat of the last few vintages the Underhill has upped a gear in concentration and extraction; however the harmony remains with the balanced acid guiding all of this fruit.

The purple-colored 2006 Underhill Shiraz is unlike anything out of Barossa and McLaren Vale. It reveals a complex aromatic array of cedar, violets, earth notes, black cherry, and black raspberry. Sweet and silky on the palate, it comes off as a Shiraz in Pinot Noir clothing; that is the type of finesse that this wine possesses. This unique effort should evolve for several years and offer prime drinking from 2011 through 2020.
(Jay Miller - Wine Advocate - Feb-2009)