Over more than 40 years of thoughtful family ownership, the Yarra Valley’s TarraWarra Estate has come to be known as one of Australia’s finest producers of premium chardonnay and pinot noir.
Whether it be James Halliday and show circuit judges or wine lovers who regularly visit TarraWarra’s gorgeous 28ha vineyard, subterranean cellar door and expansive museum of art, the verdict on the estate’s wines is unanimous.
“TarraWarra is, and always has been, one of the top-tier wineries in the Yarra Valley,” Halliday says.
While founders Marc and Eva Besen’s initial inspiration came from the pinots and chardonnays of Burgundy, TarraWarra’s single-vineyard J Block shiraz has in recent years taken cool-climate Australian shiraz to a new level.
The 2019 TarraWarra J Block Shiraz this week leads The Australian Wine Club’s biggest shiraz offer of the year: four superb reds that normally retail for up to $100 a bottle going for only $28.99 across the mixed dozen.
Included in the offer is the blockbuster Kilikanoon Oracle, named World’s Best Shiraz by the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London on three occasions.
The TarraWarra cool-climate expression of shiraz stands out for its seductive combination of rich dark fruits and French-style savouriness.
Wine judges have likened the J Block to the style of shiraz produced in the northern Rhone.
TarraWarra follows the French practice of co-fermenting tiny portions of viognier with the shiraz, which tends to heighten the wines’ aromas and adds a distinctive floral character.
Marc and Eva originally bought the picturesque 400ha Yarra property in 1979 as a family retreat and, on the advice of legendary Yarra Valley winemaker Dr John Middleton, planted their first 6ha of chardonnay and pinot noir in 1983.
Marc was born in Romania and arrived in Australia in 1947 as a survivor of the Holocaust. He was able to create a rewarding life here, working as the managing director of fashion retailer Sussan for almost 30 years and, with Eva, playing a lead role in many philanthropic activities.
They both died in recent years but TarraWarra remains as a legacy of their vision to “share a unique and beautiful place” rooted in respect for excellence, provenance and sustainability.
The winemaking operation is now led by Sarah Fagan, who joined the TarraWarra team after spending 20 years understanding the diverse terroir of the Yarra at De Bortoli, making wines with Yarra master Steve Webber.
TarraWarra Estate J Block Yarra Valley Shiraz 2019
A perfectly poised Yarra shiraz with all the trimmings. The 2% viognier component adds lifted aromas of violets to the Crozes-Hermitage-like aromas of dark fruits, licorice, salumi and savoury pan juices. Dark plums and cherries combine with a sprinkle of pepper, black olives and vanilla, carried on silky-smooth tannins to a long finish. Seductive. A feast for the senses. 96 points and red star for exceptional value from Halliday Wine Companion. 13.6% alc; RRP $50 a bottle.
SPECIALS $39.99 a bottle in any dozen; $28.99 a bottle in Premium Shiraz dozen.
Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2016
A blockbuster with finesse from a Clare Valley icon. Dense and intense: black and blue fruits, bramble, smoked meats, cloves, aniseed, savoury oak. Tannins have mellowed but natural acid propels to the long finish. Drinking beautifully now. 95 points from Ned Goodwin for Halliday Wine Companion. 14.5% alc; RRP $96 a bottle.
SPECIALS $85.99 a bottle in any dozen; $28.99 a bottle in Premium Shiraz dozen.
Alpha Crucis Southern Cross McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022
A super premium offering from McLaren Vale flagship Chalk Hill. Fresh fruits on the nose – black plums, blueberries and maraschino cherries – and violet notes singing with vanilla, peppercorn and cloves. Juicy fruits follow through on the palate, with firm tannins and vibrant acidity hinting at the longevity ahead. You can taste the quality now but patience will pay off handsomely. 95 points from Wine Pilot. 14.5% alc; RRP $100 a bottle.
SPECIALS $89.99 a bottle in any dozen; $28.99 a bottle in Premium Shiraz dozen.
Howard Park Flint Rock Great Southern Shiraz 2018
Savoury aromas such as coffee, olives and green pepper meld with a hint of brambly dark fruits. Plum, blackberry and mulberry flavours shine on the palate, while pepper, bay leaf and vanilla notes play in the background. Fresh acidity balanced with soft tannins, carrying the fruit and pepper to a lingering finish. 92 Halliday points. 14% alc; RRP $29 a bottle.
SPECIALS $22.99 a bottle in any dozen; $28.99 a bottle in Premium Shiraz dozen.
PREMIUM SHIRAZ DOZEN Three bottles of each wine above for $28.99 a bottle. SAVE $477 a dozen.
Order by simply clicking the links to our online store or telephone 1300 765 359 Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm AEST. Deals are available only while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550. Stockhead is partnering with The Australian Wine Club on this offer.
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