In its relatively short life, these pages have featured several wines from premium Yarra Valley producer, Yarra Yarra, none more enchanting than the superb 1999 Yarra Yarra Syrah.
Twelve years on from vintage, the 1999 Yarra Yarra Syrah is drinking at the peak of its power. Bricking at the rim, it has thrown a sizeable deposit. While many Australian cool climate Syrah/Shiraz claim to be Northern Rhône inspired, there can be few that capture the essence of the Rhône Syrah as well as this particular wine – freshly ground pepper, hung meat and charcuterie – it’s there in spades.
The McLean family were dealt a nasty hand from the 2009 bushfires, which destroyed over a hectare of vines, the winery itself and their entire museum stock, as well as a personal collection of fine European wines. With typical resilience, they have bounced back; recent releases maintain the high standard set over the past couple of decades.
1999 SYRAH
Producer: Yarra Yarra Vineyard
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1999
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: N/a
Date tasted: 3 March 2012
Tasting Note:
Medium garnet, starting to brown at the rim. Prototypical Northern Rhône Syrah nose of freshly ground pepper, charcuterie and game, bacon fat, all of which are reflected on the palate. Just medium in body, silky in texture and savoury, this is an outstanding example of Rhône-inspired Syrah.
Score: 18.5/20
Twelve years on from vintage, the 1999 Yarra Yarra Syrah is drinking at the peak of its power. Bricking at the rim, it has thrown a sizeable deposit. While many Australian cool climate Syrah/Shiraz claim to be Northern Rhône inspired, there can be few that capture the essence of the Rhône Syrah as well as this particular wine – freshly ground pepper, hung meat and charcuterie – it’s there in spades.
The McLean family were dealt a nasty hand from the 2009 bushfires, which destroyed over a hectare of vines, the winery itself and their entire museum stock, as well as a personal collection of fine European wines. With typical resilience, they have bounced back; recent releases maintain the high standard set over the past couple of decades.
1999 SYRAH Producer: Yarra Yarra Vineyard
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1999
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: N/a
Date tasted: 3 March 2012
Tasting Note:
Medium garnet, starting to brown at the rim. Prototypical Northern Rhône Syrah nose of freshly ground pepper, charcuterie and game, bacon fat, all of which are reflected on the palate. Just medium in body, silky in texture and savoury, this is an outstanding example of Rhône-inspired Syrah.
Score: 18.5/20
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