This is the oldest, and original Winery in Victoria established in 1838 by the Scottish Ryrie brothers after acquiring 43,000 acres. They planted grapes and ran a cattle farm.
The vineyard changed hands in 1850 and was expanded by 50 acres sourcing some of their cuttings from Chateau Lafite and, in 1859 built the Old Winery which still stands today. 1861 saw the winery winning the prized Argus Gold Cup and, in 1889 was awarded a Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in Paris.
The winery then changed hands several times when the Rathbone Family purchased Yering Station in 1996 with the ambition of making great wine. Ambition achieved!
Another dream became a reality in 1996 with a joint venture with French house Champagne Devaux to produce Yarrabank, a methode traditionelle Sparking wine of exceptional quality.
They produce some of the finest wines to come out of Australia displaying elegance, restraint, and balance and an absolute delight to drink that reflects both site characteristics and varietal integrity.
Their Scarlett Pinot Noir is considered their flagship wine and received a 99pt Rating from James Halliday. It is named in loving memory of our late Viticulturist, Nathan Scarlett.
Yering Station Village Chardonnay 2022- a must-try value-driven wine!
This is a profoundly good Chardonnay, with great balance, elegance, and restraint, and a wonderful example of a cool climate wine that is hard to find at this price point.
Delicate aromas of white peach and tangerine peel met you at the door and invite you in. Enticing indeed.
The palate is French in style, fruit-driven, and not dressed in oak and butter. Crisp clean acidity, mouthwatering with a soft approachable mouthfeel. Layers of citrus, peach, and tangerine dominate with secondary layers of nuts- cashews, and honey. Everything is where it should be, with a character and attitude that could only come from the hills of the Yarra Valley. An absolute delight to drink.
I would drink this over the next 2 – 4 years.
Pairings should include seafood, seafood, and seafood. Fresh oysters, Lobster Bisque, Seared Scallops with Lemon, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Thyme and Duck Confit would all work well.
Yering Station Pinot Noir 2020
As the days get warmer, I find myself enjoying Pinot Noir more and more. The lighter body & acidity are perfect for Springtime and moving into summer. It is also a great alternative for red wine lovers who do not relish the thought of opening a big Napa Cab or Australian Shiraz when it’s in the 90’s or more.
Delightful notes of Cherries, and raspberries with a hint of cranberries and spices. The palate has all the cherries, raspberries, cranberries, and spices from the nose with some interesting additions from strawberries, blueberries, nutmeg, vanilla/oak, and an earthy note. All are neatly presented in a framework of fine-grain tannins, and impressive structure. This shows all the depth, complexity, and elegance that is so characteristic of cool climate Yarra Valley wines.
This should see clear development over the next 6 – 8 years: 2030 and beyond.
Pairings should include Chicken, and Salmon salads, Baked Salmon, Roast Turkey, Pork chops, black bean burgers with avocado, cheese, and mushrooms. Anything dish of equal weight should work well. It could be served with a chill on it moving into summer.
Yering Station Shiraz 2020 – restrained and elegant sums up this Shiraz.
Medium-bodied and pretty on the nose with layers of jasmine, and lilac before launching into blueberries, and red cherries with just a hint of pepper and clove. This is not your average Barossa blockbuster. It is blended with 3% Viognier which contributes lovely floral notes to the mix.
The palate is lush and inviting with an engaging hint of sweetness from the mid-palate to the finish. Finely woven layers of dense black and blueberries, dark cherries, and plums with just a hint of dark chocolate, mulled spices, and vanilla. Great structure and balance.
Cellar time of about 8 years should reward your patience.
Pairings should include NY Strips, any red meat off the grill, Pepperoni Pizza, Meat pasta dishes- not too heavy though, as this is a medium-bodied wine, but it does have backbone.
Vine to Table 