Underhill Shiraz 2017

Located in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Underhill vineyard stretches across the cooler slopes of the western part of the Yarra Yering estate. Planted on well-drained gravelly and clay-loam soils, it benefits from a temperate climate with a strong maritime influence, ideal for the slow and even ripening of Syrah grapes. This mosaic of hillside plots, cultivated individually, gives rise to a wine that accurately reflects the elegant and spicy character of the Yarra Valley.

The Shiraz grapes from the Underhill plot are hand-harvested, then destemmed and sorted before fermentation in open vats with manual pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color and structure. After pressing, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, for extended aging to refine the tannins and develop aromatic complexity before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of blackberry , black plum , and black cherry , complemented by floral touches of violet and peony, as well as hints of sweet spices , black pepper , and licorice. Smoky nuances of cedar wood and mild tobacco mingle with a subtle herbaceous note. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet fresh, supported by lively acidity, fine, powdery tannins, and a long, flavorful finish that maintains a beautiful tension.

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.