Ranked #1 of 21 2019 Shiraz, Viognier, Marsanne from Yarra Valley
97/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Very youthful purple colour with crimson at the core, the bouquet similarly youthful and bright, with spicy, meaty-charcuterie, confit cherry and gentle oak-char aromas of great character. Some floral grace notes emerge with time in the glass. The wine is full-bodied yet very elegant, with an effortlessness to its drive and intensity, without heaviness or excessive grip. Long, long carry. A lovely, graceful wine that drinks well already but will surely last a couple of decades.
Tasted: 04/05/2021
Drink: 2021 to 2041
98 Points James Halliday
Shiraz, mataro, viognier. Hand picked, sorted and then destemmed directly to the Yarra Yering half-tone open-fermenters. As much whole-berry ferment as possible to encourage perfume. A portion of fermenters had frozen viognier skins added to the bottom. Aged 15 months in French oak barriques 30% new before blending. It's easy to be bowled over by this wine's beauty, from its bright colour to its heady fragrance of violets, Middle Eastern spices, fresh currants and blue fruits. Then magic happens. It is superfine, graced with perfectly formed silky tannins. The oak is seamlessly integrated, then flavours builds across the barely medium-bodied palate. While there's a lightness of touch, it's layered and complex. A complete wine full of style, elegance and substance.
Jane Faulkner
Published 13 August 2021 Drink to 2034.
Source: James Halliday.