2020 Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz 750ml

From a 3.2ha block of shiraz, planted on the far western side at Yarra Yering in 1973. Half was fermented with 20% whole bunches in one 3,500L old oak cask, pressed and returned to this cask to mature for 12 months. The other half was matured in puncheons for 12 months. A very bright, medium crimson purple. A riotous amalgam of aromas including blueberries, potpourri, licorice root, Szechuan pepper and caraway seeds. Medium bodied and elegant, this has terrific viscosity and the tannins are oh, so powdery and fine. Gorgeous now and over the next 10 years or longer. Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 97 points.

Drink to 2035.

Yarra Yering, one of the Yarra Valley's oldest and most beautiful vineyards, was established in 1969 by Dr Bailey Carrodus. The winery released its first vintage in 1973 (including the first of the iconic Dry Red Wine No. 1 and Dry Red Wine No. 2). The release was the first commercial vintage the region had seen in 50 years, putting Yarra Yering at the forefront of the modern day Yarra Valley wine region. Almost another 50 years on, the vines at the foot of the Warramate Hills are producing some of the finest wines in Australia.

Sarah Crowe joined Yarra Yering in 2013 after more than a decade in the Hunter Valley. She was lured to Victoria by the winery's impeccable reputation and the desire to produce cool-climate wines. In 2017 Sarah was named Halliday's Winemaker of the Year for the wines of 2014 – her very first vintage with Yarra Yering. Working harmoniously alongside her is Yarra Valley's homegrown vineyard manager Andrew George, who celebrates 10 years with the winery in 2022.