We\u2019re going out in style in 2023, swinging our attention to the coolest of cool-climate regions, Victoria\u2019s Yarra Valley.<\/p>\n
The accent is firmly placed on \u201cpremium\u201d in this final column of the year, with the line-up of sophisticated reds in our deal of the week including one of Yarra Valley\u2019s leading lights, the five-star TarraWarra.<\/p>\n
Along with TarraWarra\u2019s 96-point J Block Yarra Valley Shiraz 2019, which normally sells for $50 a bottle, you\u2019ll find a smooth-drinking 2016 shiraz, a 95-point cabernet from one of the region\u2019s most experienced winemakers and a multi-layered pinot noir.<\/p>\n
If you love Yarra chardonnay, you also have the opportunity to add three bottles of TarraWarra\u2019s outstanding 2018 estate chardonnay at the deal price of $25.99 a bottle.<\/p>\n
The Yarra Valley was Victoria\u2019s original wine region, with the first vines planted in 1838 at Yering Station, but its future was far from assured. Within a century there were no vines left after economic hardships, changing tastes and competition from other wine regions triggered a long-lasting decline.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t until the 1960s and \u201970s that Yarra Valley\u2019s revival began, when Reg Egan from Wantirna Estate planted vines again and Dr Bailey Carrodus, a scientist with a penchant for innovation, produced the region\u2019s first commercial wines from his Yarra Yering vineyard in 1973.<\/p>\n
Carrodus\u2019s pioneering vision \u2013 embracing the Yarra Valley\u2019s cool climate to produce leaner, elegant styles at a time when bigger styles were in vogue \u2013 set the foundation for the region\u2019s reputation today.<\/p>\n
With over 80 vineyards operating throughout Healesville, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Seville and Lilydale, the Yarra Valley is Australia\u2019s premier cool-climate region, and is renowned for high-class chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.<\/p>\n
Peter Simon has been making Yarra wines under his Terra Felix label for the past 20 years. \u201cThe complexity of the chardonnay and pinot that Yarra produces is special,\u2019\u2019 he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a little vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula but I\u2019d say the pinot noir we source from the Yarra Valley is every bit as good.<\/p>\n
Terra Felix owner Peter Simon walks his Yarra Valley vineyard.<\/p>\n
He says while Yarra chardonnay and pinot are widely regarded as being among Australia\u2019s best, the valley\u2019s cabernet is also exceptional. \u201cIt\u2019s probably been a little underrated but there are layers of taste in Yarra cabernet that are really unique and absolutely beautiful,\u2019\u2019 he says.<\/p>\n
Simon, who has worked in the wine game for 34 years, believes Yarra Valley\u2019s climate is changing, potentially making wine growing \u201ca little trickier\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been wetter \u2013 strong humidity and torrential rain at times \u2013 and it will make growing grapes more challenging,\u2019\u2019 he says. \u201cBut as we know in the wine game, there\u2019s always challenges to overcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Aromas of strawberries, cherries, and raspberries mingle with earthy tones and hints of Christmas spice and sweet pastry. Cherry and marzipan flavours stream through the palate with hints of pepper and smoky wood. Firm tannins are balanced by the fruit and a fresh line of acidity drives to a lingering clean finish. Light and delicate. 13.3% alc; RRP $40 a bottle.<\/p>\n
SPECIALS $36.99 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Yarra dozen.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n From one of Yarra\u2019s leading five-star wineries founded by Marc and Eva Besen, who were recently added to the Yarra Valley Hall of Fame. Co-fermented with 2 per cent viognier and matured in new and seasoned French oak for 18 months. Described by Halliday Wine Companion\u2019s Philip Rich as \u201csuper-impressive and accomplished Yarra shiraz with its Crozes-Hermitage-like aromas of dark fruits, freshly hung meat, black olive and both white and black pepper\u201d. A rare chance to try a premium Yarra red at this mixed dozen price. 96 points from Halliday Wine Companion. 13.6% alc; RRP $50 a bottle.<\/p>\n SPECIALS $39.99 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Yarra dozen.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Yarra cabernet at its elegant best from the highly respected Rob Dolan, who\u2019s been crafting wines in the valley for 30 years. Shows vibrant blackcurrant and sweet cassis aromas, with touches of bay leaf and mint. Pure fruit-driven palate with a hint of black olive supported by grippy tannins and a tingling acidity that cuts through to a fresh finish. 16 months in French oak. Delicious. 95 points from Team Halliday and a red star for exceptional value. 13.5% alc; RRP $38 a bottle.<\/p>\n SPECIALS $29.99 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Yarra dozen.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n From a boutique vineyard free of chemical fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides comes this layered, fruit-rich syrah (or cool-climate shiraz), offering mulberry and plum flavours from a warmer vintage than usual. Medium- to full-bodied. Good acid and fine tannins keep the boat moving smoothly. Double gold at the Melbourne International Wine Show. Excellent value. 14.5% alc; RRP $35 a bottle.<\/p>\n SPECIALS $26.99 a bottle in any dozen; $25.99 a bottle in Yarra dozen.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YARRA DOZEN Three bottles of each wine above for $25.99 a bottle.<\/a><\/strong> SAVE $177 a dozen.<\/p>\n 15-BOTTLE DEAL<\/a><\/strong> Add three bottles of TarraWarra Estate Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2018<\/a><\/strong> for $25.99 a bottle across the 15 bottles. SAVE $204 across the 15 bottles.<\/p>\n Hand-picked and whole bunch-pressed with about half the fruit fermented in tank for freshness and the other in new and seasoned French oak for texture. Great intensity with stone fruits, a touch of citrus and underlying cashew nut flavours. Creamy texture; subtle use of oak leads to a fresh, lingering finish. 95 points from James Halliday. 13.2% alc; RRP $34 a bottle.<\/p>\n Order by simply clicking the links to our online store<\/a><\/strong> 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<\/a> on this offer.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The post Cool. Smooth. Yeah\u2026 Jazz up your Christmas with these rich Yarra Valley reds<\/a> appeared first on Stockhead<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"TarraWarra Estate J Block Yarra Valley Shiraz 2019<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rob Dolan Wines White Label Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Allinda Limited Release Yarra Valley Syrah 2016<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n