Yarra Yering Dry Red No.1 2023
, Merlot , Malbec , Petit Verdot Established in 1969, Yarra Yering is recognised as one of Australia’s most iconic vineyards. From 29 hectares of dry-grown vines in the Yarra Valley, we produce wines renowned for their signature structure, understated power, and enduring longevity.
The first plantings into block No. 1 were these Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and the name was born. Malbec was also part of the original 1969 plantings. Merlot vines were originally interplanted with Cabernet, with subsequent plantings in 1990 along with Petit Verdot.
Hand-harvested and sorted, only the best berries make the cut. Cabernet is crushed for structure, while Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot undergo whole berry fermentation for fragrance and weight. Mostly fermented in half-tonne fermenters, hand plunged twice daily. Some of the Cabernet ferments in 3,500L oak cask, with up to 8 weeks on skins for complexity. Matured 15 months in French oak barriques, 35% new.
Under suitable cellaring conditions it will evolve for 20+ years if you wish to show restraint, but this is not a hard and fast rule, it will be wonderful anytime along the way.
A melange of summer berry fruits and a comforting rustic iodine feel complement some bay leaf lift. Warming clove spice, a hint of graphite and some oak char bring both flavour and tannin. Beautiful fruit weight, refreshing acidity and fine tannins form a solid foundation for a long future. Complex and layered, but not intimidating, always exciting to watch evolve.