Presenting Yarra Yering's 1973 Block Shiraz: a true testament to the enduring legacy of our vineyard and the unparalleled craftsmanship behind every bottle. Nestled on 8 acres at the western edge of our estate, this single block of Shiraz vines, planted in 1973, captures the essence of our terroir and the spirit of our winemaking tradition.
Hand-harvested with utmost care, each bunch of grapes undergoes meticulous sorting before undergoing the transformation into our exquisite wine. Utilizing either whole bunches or whole berries, we employ a method that preserves the integrity of the fruit and allows for the fullest expression of flavor.
Fifty percent of the block undergoes fermentation and maturation in a 3500L upright oak cask, enriched with 20% whole bunches to enhance complexity. The remainder of the fermentation takes place in our half-tonne open-fermenters, where gentle hand plunging twice daily ensures optimal extraction of flavors. The wine is then delicately air bag pressed to release the last remnants of fermenting juice, preserving the essence of the many whole berries that remain.
After this meticulous process, the wine ages gracefully for 12 months, with 50% resting in the two-year-old cask and the other 50% in French oak puncheons, with just a hint of new oak. This careful aging process allows the wine to evolve, achieving a perfect balance of fruit purity and subtle oak influence.
Upon pouring, our 1973 Block Shiraz reveals its character with a perfumed aroma that reflects its cool climate origins. Medium-bodied and deliciously textured, it delights the palate with vibrant blue and black plum fruits, accented by a hint of aniseed spice. Layers of liquorice spice add depth and complexity, while notes of cured meat and smoke-char intrigue the senses, driving the wine's lingering finish.
Medium-weighted and driven by fruit purity, with oak playing a supporting role in the background, and a subtle bite of stalk grip adding further interest, this wine exemplifies the harmony between tradition and innovation. Yarra Yering's 1973 Block Shiraz invites you to savor the essence of our vineyard's history and the artistry of our winemaking craft.