Dry Red No. 1 2019

Located in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Yarra Yering vineyard benefits from a cool to temperate climate, ideal for Bordeaux grape varieties. The vines are planted in ancient soils, predominantly gravelly and clay-loam, providing natural drainage and moderate yields. Nestled at the foot of the Warramate Mountains, the estate enjoys cool nights and moderate days that promote slow and complete ripening of the grapes, preserving the balance between concentration, freshness, and aromatic finesse.

The grapes are harvested by hand, plot by plot, then destemmed and carefully sorted. Each grape variety ferments separately in open vats, with manual punch-downs to encourage gentle extraction of tannins and aromas. After racking, the batches are transferred to French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, for extended aging. This allows the oak to integrate, the structure to refine, and the aromatic complexity to develop before the final blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of blackcurrant , blackberry , and black cherry , complemented by floral touches of violet and peony . Spicy nuances of pepper and clove mingle with elegant oak of cedar and blond tobacco . The palate displays a silky texture, supported by fresh acidity and fine yet structured tannins, culminating in a long and flavorful finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.