2023 Yering Station Shiraz Viognier

Co-fermented with 2% viognier; matured in 18% new French barriques. A vibrant, plummy red. There was no reserve in '23, and the fruit mainly went into this. The result is a nicely perfumed wine with red and black fruits, freshly crushed peppercorns and a little anise. The palate is medium bodied and gently plush, with gently chewy, persistent tannins rounding out a delicious wine to drink over the next four to six years. Outstanding value.

Freshly turned earth mixes with rose, raspberry and black spiced plum on the nose. Its plushly fruited core of raspberry and red plum is sculpted by fine tannins that nicely frame the fruit, giving an almost velvet impression to the delivery. This will win many hearts: it's a lovely mix of earth, floral and fruit.

One of the early Yarra Valley converts to Shiraz Viognier, Yering Station remains a regional stronghold for the style highlighting an attractive peppery spiciness that just goes and goes. Bright purple hues. Soft aromatics fill the aroma in liquorice, cinnamon spice, purple and blue fruits, black cherries, dark florals and black pepper. That peppery spicy stamp has a starring role on the palate bringing with it a sense of style, of class, alongside attractive integrated oak. Flows easily, creamy and smooth with bright acidity and tannins in place. So enjoyable right now with potential for further ageing.

Firm and spring-loaded. If you like cedar, spice, ripe strawberry purée, strong forearms, free will and high-grain beef, this wine may align with you. In the mouth, it’s a tango between richness and tension. There’s grunt here. Oak, 18 percent new, and a chiselled savouriness that makes me shudder. Yet plenty of fruit to accompany it. Raspberry, plum skin and tart strawberry keep things lifted. Perhaps the 2.3 percent Viognier plays its part. Best with food. Venison pappardelle would slay. Hard.