Yarra Valley
Victoria’s oldest viticultural area dates back to 1837. It was initially admired for its dry wines before losing to the fortifieds from South Australia and, latterly, the dairy cow. The 1960s saw its revival with the launch of Yarra Yering in 1969 and Mount Mary in 1971. Famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region has also attracted interest from sparkling houses, notably Domaine Chandon.
Victoria’s oldest viticultural area dates back to 1837. Initially it won admiration and trophies for its dry wines before losing out first to the fortifieds from South Australia, and then to the dairy cow. The 1960s saw its revival with Dr Bailey Carrodus founding Yarra Yering in 1969, closely followed by another medic, Dr John Middleton, launching Mount Mary in 1971.
Famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region has attracted interest from sparkling houses, notably Domaine Chandon as well as from one or two corporates; Melbourne’s continued sprawl represents the biggest threat to this Victorian idyll.
The climate is cool maritime (it’s just 15 miles to the ocean), exposed to wind and rain with spring frosts a potential risk. The region’s warmer northerly aspects are preferred for viticulture. The best soils are underpinned by a low vigour, red-brown clay subsoil, while a significant swathe of the region is characterised by vigorous deep-red loam.
Recommended producers: Toolangi, Mount Mary
Prices:
Bottle
£29.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl2cs
Bottle
£34.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl16cs
Their 2012 Pinot Noir is no exception, a wine with the distinct cherry, gamey fruit of the New World, yet balanced like an Old World Burgundy. The nose is full of spice, cherry and redcurrant with gamey spice in the background. The palate is light- to medium-bodied, with a good depth of fruit, yet it is also elegant and poised. Lovely length. A great match to a light lunch, or a plate of charcuterie. Drink 2018 to 2020.
Bottle
£36.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Hong Kong Fine Wine Team
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Purple-colored, it emits an alluring fragrance of smoky oak, toast, vanilla, pencil lead, olives, black currant, and blackberry liqueur....Impressively balanced, all components are well-integrated, and the finish lasts for 60 seconds.
Jay Miller - Wine Advocate - Oct-2007
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
The use of Syrah as grape descriptor is the clue to this wine's restrained and elegant character, more reminiscent of the Rhône than the Barossa. Fragrant, lifted black cherries mingle with a touch of graphite minerality on the nose, while the palate is delicate yet fine with very well managed tannins. In 2010, two percent Viognier was co-fermented with the main cuvée, adding a subtle, exotic top-note to the wine but overall it feels very European in style. This is a delicious and sophisticated Syrah from the Yarra Valley.