Yeringberg, Shiraz, Yarra Valley

Lovely lifted red fruit flavours. I expect it will develop nicely. Already more approchable than many of the past. I learned today that Sandra has used a touch of Viognier in it (2%?) since she began making it. Guill did not in the first iteration, perhaps only because he didn't grow any. Will benefit from at least 5 years and like all Yeringbergs, will live a long time.

An especially peppery Syrah, a term I'm using consciously here – in addition to blackcurrant, licorice, toffee, and earth, I’m getting plenty of black pepper and chipotle peppers. The palate delivers more red fruit, wild strawberry especially, and a chipotle finish (echoes of Cab Franc), with tannins still grippy after nine years and a lighter body than many of its countrymen. I'm pretty sure this guy has some Viognier in it too, which would definitely account for some of that. …

Return to Aus; 6/23/2019-7/5/2019 (Adelaide, South Australia wine regions, Tassie, Yarra, etc.) : Very much the lighter bodied style of Shiraz in Australia. This was pnp'ed and in the beginning felt a bit tight. Opened up in the glass some, but would have loved to have some more time with it. There's still that elegance that seems to undercut all of their wines. Berries and floral and spice. Nice and built to age I think.

Giant Steps & Yeringberg New Releases (Prince Wine Store South Melbourne) : Beautiful, sweet shiraz. Will be very good. 2024+

A little restrained at this time, though soft due to the viognier. I expect it will develop nicely over 5 years to a classic Yeringberg shiraz but, for now, it's quite unexpressed.

Game of Rhones (Carriageworks, Redfern) : Meaty, savoury with muted black fruit…more of the same on the palate, lacks a bit of body. Nah.