Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2016 | 95 points of Aussie Goodness
Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2016 presents an opaque purple-black center with a purple-pink rim. First, the nose unleashes gobs of warm smashed blackberry and spiced plum. Yet, the background is not shy either, showing a cracked pepper element with a kiss of smoke. While the profile is lively and youthful, the wine shows a considerable amount of sophistication. And notably, just the right amount of moderate French oak (about 25% new). Everything is in its place, and there is a beautiful polish to the spicy finish of this wine. Drink now – 2029.
95JH | 98.5% shiraz, 1.5% viognier open-fermented together, hand-plunged, held on skins for 15 days, matured in French oak (20% new) for 18 months. The symbiotic bond of shiraz and viognier is the foundation of the wine, even though the percentage of viognier is slight, lifting both the flavor and texture of the wine. Black cherry, plum, and spice fill every corner of the mouth, the juicy display tempered by ripe but soft tannins and cedary oak.
Rare Prize | Oft-sold-out Blockbuster
So, few wineries evoke the glory of Yarra Valley like Yering Station. A historical treasure, being a 180-year-old Victoria institution lauded by Vinous as among the “all-star line-up of Australian producers. Yet, boasting a world-class Pinot Noir that’s landed on Wine Spectator’s Top 100.
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But one rare prize from this estate has eluded a number of collectors and Australian enthusiasts, due to its scarcity and demand: the oft-sold-out blockbuster Shiraz-Viognier bottling. Of course, Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2016 being a cuvée that’s “rapidly becoming a favorite” according to Wine Enthusiast. While combining dark fruit muscularity and tannic elegance with absolute finesse.
About Yering Station | Winemaker Willy Lynn
Yering Station’s history begins in 1834, when two Scottish brothers ventured into the territory, planting the first-ever vineyard in Victoria and keeping the land’s Aboriginal name. Swiss winemaker Paul de Castella took over the property in the 1850s and became the region’s viticultural pioneer, earning international success with a Grand Prix award at the Universal Exhibition in Paris back in 1889.
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Our friend, winemaker Willy Lunn, keeps this estate’s incredible legacy alive. While we first met back when he was at the top Willamette Valley winery Argyle. Now, he’s become a star of Australian viticulture in his own right and one of its best-known cool-climate specialists. Kudos for the Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2016.
