The Yarra Valley was the first wine region to be established in Victoria. The region is home to some of the country's finest wines, and is famed for its elegant varietals like chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.
Below are four red wines from the region – try cabernet sauvignon from Medhurst and Payne's Rise, a blend of cabernet franc and petit verdot from Warramunda's Liv Zak, and a shiraz viognier from Yering Station.
2019 Medhurst Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A complex cool-climate cabernet nose of blackberry, violets and fleshy ripe fruits. The palate is defined by perfectly ripe soft tannins that will ensure the 2019 Medhurst Cabernet Sauvignon will continue to improve with careful cellaring for at least a decade.Winemaker Simon Steele says: Our wines have great purity and balance. We aim to farm our grapevines by placing special attention on vine and soil health, which enables the grapes and the wines to taste of the place that they were grown. We try not make the wines with any force in the winery. We highlight the full flavours of the Yarra Valley – the silky tannins and soft acids of the Gruyere sub-region shine.
Food pairing suggestion: The 2019 Estate pairs with Mayura Station wagyu rump – medium rare – with sides of french fries and sautéed green beans.
RRP $55 | Drink to 2030 | medhurstwines.com.au
2019 Payne’s Rise Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon
A fragrant and elegant medium-bodied cabernet with clear varietal expression of cassis, blackberry and red cherry fruits. A savoury line of flavour with dark fruits, spice, herbs, olives, bay leaf and cedary oak that finishes with a super fine, silky tannin structure.Owner and vigneron Tim Cullen says: We aim for honest wines through exemplary vineyard management practices and minimal intervention in the winery. Our wines are fruit driven and display a complexity that is expressive of our vineyard’s unique qualities and the Upper Yarra cool climate. Yarra Valley wines have elegance, restraint and purity – our wines are reflective of this style with nuances of our unique site.
Food pairing suggestion: Pair the 2019 with the Payne's Rise chef's lamb curry. Available from the cellar door, the curry is complete with cashew and sultana pilaf, paratha bread and housemade spiced mango chutney. It's also perfect with the Sicilian pizza – hot salami, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, fior di latte and pesto.
RRP $55 | Drink to 2034 | paynesrise.com.au
2020 Liv Zak Block One
A blend of cabernet franc and petit verdot, the 2020 Block One is ruby red with a purple hue. Pronounced violet floral notes with spice and purple fruits on the nose. The palate is full bodied with rich, velvety tannins that flow seamlessly before finishing with lingering acidity. Blueberry and blackberry fruits are abundantly layered with savoury spice. This wine is incredibly moreish.Winemaker Liv Zak Magdziarz says: Our vineyard team spend a significant amount of time tending to each vine in each block. We ensure the vines are healthy and reflect their natural growth patterns to produce fruit of optimum quality. The culmination of each of these small and melodic steps produce an output that is unique to the individual style of the wine, while also reflecting the distinctive terroir of Warramunda Estate.
Food pairing suggestion: The 2020 pairs with spinach and ricotta cannelloni baked in a rich homemade tomato sauce.
RRP $45 | Drink to 2033 | warramundaestate.com.au
2021 Yering Station Shiraz Viognier
Full of beautiful red and dark blue fruits with an underlay of spice and finely knit tannins that build a velvety mid-palate. Plenty more fruit and spice gently roll along, followed by a fresh acidity culminating in a generous, complex finish.Yering Station say: As a cool-climate region the Yarra Valley is ideal for producing premium wine. Our long ripening periods allow for plenty of time to accumulate lots of flavour and maintain bright natural acidities. At Yering Station we have a history of producing elegant shiraz co-fermented with viognier – the winter season and its food pairings making for the perfect opportunity to enjoy this blend.
Food pairing suggestion: Pair the 2021 Yering Station Shiraz Viognier with pappardelle with lamb ragu.
RRP $40 | Drink to 2032 | yering.com
