Yarra Yering Winery Of The Year Pack

98 points

"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 (Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points

"Fruit from a single block of shiraz planted in 1973, 80/20% whole berries/bunches fermented in a 3500L new oak foudre. Half was then matured for a year in the same foudre, the remainder into used French oak puncheons. There's so much restraint and purity of fruit across the YY range this vintage, Underhill is no different. Perfumed, savoury, delicate yet complex, pure and long. Lacy tannins and fine acidity work across a lithe palate." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

93 points

"Merlot doesn’t often appear as a YY varietal bottling – the last was in 2012. While somewhat closed, this is starting to reveal itself as a wine of note. Raspberries and blackcurrants doused with cocoa and a vibrancy throughout. There's a plushness across the palate, with woodsy spices and a slight green cardamom taste that's unusual but appealing." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points

"Could this be any more aromatic, with its perfect mix of florals, fruit and spice? The savouriness of (30%) malbec comes through as a mere accompaniment to the heady cabernet. Oak remains in the background, tannins are perfectly judged and acidity is bright. It promises to delight now and for some years hence" - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points

"This blend of Portuguese varieties has come together seamlessly and offers immediate drinking appeal. Heady with violets and lavender, blackcurrants and Szechuan pepper, blackstrap licorice and Mediterranean herbs, all adding to its youthful beauty. Fine tannins, raspberry-like acidity and complexity raise it way above ordinary." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)