The Yarra Valley may be Victoria’s most famous cool climate wine region. A true “cool climate” region in a very Australian sense, people generally expect to find good Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Yarra, and surely these two varieties abound. But as with almost any wine region, all kinds of wine treasure is to be found if you just know where to look. Today, we offer some hints towards that end.
Seville Hill is our spiritual home in the Yarra. Seville offers the trifecta of great wine, warm people, and a stunning view. To us, Seville Hill’s wines are best summed up as “satisfying”. These are plump, juicy and polished wines that go down all too easy (how well we know!) You’ll find a host of Italian varietals at Seville Hill (think Barbera, Nebbiolo, etc) but you’ll also find thirst quenching Pinots, Chardonnays and sparkling wine. Owner John D’Alosio is one of the warmest and most genuine people we have met in our wine hunting. Anyone with genuine interest is well rewarded chatting with John. And finally, Seville Hill’s deck overlooking the valley is one of the region’s most spectacular views.
Pimpernel Vineyards serves up the most expressive wine you will find in the Yarra Valley, and specifically, some of the most expressive Pinot Noir in Australia (we can think of only a couple other wineries anywhere that come close). These are wines of great nuance and exquisite complexity. And while Pinot Noir may be Pimpernel’s specialty, be sure to check out their Shiraz and Viognier. We suppose it says it all that even though it’s fundamental to the Wine Hunters ethos that you don’t ever need to pay more than $40 for a top bottle of wine, this is one of the few places we are happy to do just that. Owners Mark and Fiona Horrigan are wonderful (and very colourful) people, and the winemaker Damien (when he’s about) makes for an incredible tasting experience.
De Bortoli Wines Yarra Valley must be the region’s most underrated stop. Some people who associate De Bortoli with the bargain fare that can be found at Dan Murphy’s simply aren’t aware that this place crafts a wide and stunning range of Yarra Valley-sourced wines, many of which are only available at cellar door. Literally, their estate Shiraz may be one of the best all around representations of what cool climate Shiraz can achieve that we have found. But it’s not just Shiraz, Pinots, Gamay, sparkling, the most heavenly fortified wines, and the list goes on! And best of all, with most bottles under $30, it is the Yarra’s best value.
Soumah Wines, one of the region’s coolest wineries, has been at the forefront of pulling Yarra Valley into modern times for some years now. Producing some jaw-dropping blends (how about that “Butcher” Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo!) and unusual single varietals (there’s was the first old world Savagnin we saw in Australia), Soumah has firmly fixed itself on the Yarra Valley map. But the place also works magic with Yarra Valley classics. Their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the best we’ve had from the Yarra Valley.
Medhurst may offer the best example of what classic Yarra Valley is all about, and it’s a perfect place to cap off your day exploring the Yarra. Year-in and year-out, Medhurst crafts some of the best representations of classic Yarra Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet styles. They are polished, characterful, and delicious wines that really capture the patch of earth and time whence they came. Medhurst also produces a unique (and totally worth checking out) Shiraz Pinot Noir blend.
Wineries like these five are WhyWeLoveWine!
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