At a glance

Producer

Yarra Yering

Region

Yarra Valley, Australia

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and others)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150 - $250

Tasting profile

Tight with dark berry, graphite, violet, and cedar notes, with underlying earthy and savory complexity

Evolution: Will gain secondary complexity—leather, tobacco, truffle—while softening tannins and integrating oak

At peak: Rich layers of black fruit, refined spice, silky tannins, and exceptional length with mineral nuances

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, moderate to high acidity

Tannins

Firm, structured and fine-grained

Alcohol

14.0% ABV

Aging potential

25-35 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2050

Optimal window

2025 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Still developing with good structure and tannic grip

This wine is from a top producer in a great vintage. The structured tannins and balanced acidity allow it to age gracefully over decades. The 2018 vintage is characterized as very good, adding confidence that the wine will develop complex tertiary aromas while maintaining vibrancy well into the 2030s.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled lamb, beef tenderloin, wild mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses. Strong enough for rich dishes but balanced acidity keeps it fresh.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Help the firm tannins soften and the complex aromas open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Yarra Yering employs integrated pest management, minimizes chemical inputs, water-saving irrigation technology, and uses energy-efficient equipment in their winery; packaging uses lightweight glass when feasible to reduce carbon footprint

While not fully organic or biodynamic, Yarra Yering actively embraces sustainable viticultural and winery practices to reduce environmental impact. Their local vineyard sourcing reduces transportation emissions compared to importing fruit, and onsite innovations improve energy and water efficiency. Packaging choices help reduce waste and emissions. Overall, their sustainability performance rates above average for premium Australian wineries but there is room for deeper certification or carbon neutrality.