There are many stories that have shaped the landscape of the wine industry in the Yarra Valley. In the Yarra Valley Stories Pack, you’ll find six introductions that will excite your tastebuds for your next adventure to the region.
Giant Steps
2019 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay
Giant Steps is the brainchild of Phil Sexton, and when Steve Flamsteed joined as winemaker in 2003, the brand soon became a force to be reckoned with.
Specialising in cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay, the focus was to build a single vineyard range that reflects each site.
The Sexton Vineyard is located in Gruyere on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges and sits alongside iconic Yarra Valley producers, Yarra Yering and Coldstream Hills. Sitting at 130 – 210 meters in elevation and North facing, the topsoil is thin and root systems have established themselves in shallow, gravelly loams above a tough, rocky clay base.
This iconic vineyard was planted in 1997, and facilitates exceptional chardonnay growing conditions. Known to Mike Bennie, as “the one with the juicy, savoury feel,” the 2019 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay shows ripe citrus and green apple with nuttiness and almond characters.
For more information on Giant Steps – https://www.giantstepswine.com.au/
Mac Forbes
2019 Coldstream Villages Pinot Noir
Mac Forbes began his own wine label in 2004, determined to further his own understanding of Australian soils and climate. The aim was to find the balance of wines he loved to drink with the unique environment of the Yarra Valley.
In 2019, Mac Forbes released a new range of wines, the ‘Villages’ tier, that reflects the various sub-regional influences of the Yarra Valley. Mac and his team were drawn to different soils, valleys, mountains and the resulting variation in winds, rain, solar radiation and ultimately the different expressions of plant, fruit and wine produced.
The 2019 Coldstream Villages Pinot Noir features the Coldstream sub-region, located at the entrance of the Valley floor, it’s low in elevation with grey/loam clay-based soils.
For more information on Mac Forbes – https://macforbes.com/
Seville Estate
2018 Estate Shiraz
The rebirth of the Yarra Valley as a premium wine region is partly thanks to Dr Peter McMahon, who planted the first vines at Seville Estate in 1972. Now cemented as one of Australia’s best wineries, receiving 2019 Halliday Wine Companion Awards Winery of the Year, it is Peter’s grandson, Dylan McMahon, who steers the winemaking ship today.
Dr McMahon’s legacy lives on through Seville Estate and Dylan, “my grandfather retired in 1996. I’ve learnt from him that while concentration is important in wine, elegance and finesse is the key to our wine.”
As one of Victoria’s most sought-after wines varieties, the Seville Estate Shiraz was what received the most attention (where?) in a region renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
Sourced from a single north facing block on basalt soils, the 2018 Estate Shiraz is perfumed with spice and white pepper, medium weighted with red fruits and fine tannins.
For more information on Seville Estate – https://www.sevilleestate.com.au/
Stefani Estate
2018 Yarra Valley Sangiovese ‘Boccallupo’
Stefano Stefani came to Australia after meeting his wife, Rina, in 1981. Stefano’s childhood was surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the little village of Lonnano in Tuscany.
Stefano and Rina established the Stefani family vineyard in Healesville in 1998 with substantial plantings in the following years. With a focus on family heritage, they strive to make wines that express time and place, both past and present.
Stefani Estate produce many Italian varieties, including their ‘Boccallupo’ Sangiovese. The incredibly unique element about Stefani Estate’s Sangiovese, is the use of an indigenous variety of clone, specific to the Stefano family. Cuttings were sourced from Stefano’s grandfather’s property in Tuscany and imported over 14 years ago. They were placed in Australian quarantine for three years before being planted in their Yarra Valley vineyard.
The 2018 Yarra Valley Sangiovese ‘Boccallupo’ is vibrant ruby in colour with delicious notes of blueberries and strawberries on the nose. You’ll find firm tannins, perfect for that Italian feast, on the palate with hints of blackberry and chocolate.
For more information on Stefani Estate – https://stefaniwines.com.au/
Coombe Yarra Valley
NV Coombe Estate Series Sparkling
Once the home of Dame Nellie Melba, Coombe Yarra Valley is a property with an unrivalled provenance.
Dame Nellie Melba, or Helen ‘Nellie’ Porter, was one of Australia’s most famous opera singers who trained and performed in Melbourne before moving to Europe in search of a career in singing.
She was known for her flamboyance and impeccable sense of style, her friends included famous artists, actors and royalty. Good friend, French Chef Escoffier famously created the dessert Peach Melba in her honour.
She regularly returned to Australia and built Coombe Cottage in Coldstream in 1912.
Today, the iconic venue offers visitors a truly excellent dining experience, tours of the gardens and gallery, wine tasting or private events.
Just 5km from Coombe the Melba Estate, the 120-acre Coombe Farm vineyard is still owned and operated by Melba’s descendants, the Vestey family.
The NV Coombe Estate Series Sparkling is a bright and lively blend of estate grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Perfectly paired with toasted brioche or lobster, you’ll find white flowers and light citrus on the nose with a palate full of green apples and macadamia.
For more information on Coombe Yarra Valley – https://coombeyarravalley.com.au/
Yarra Yering
2017 Dry Red No.1
Yarra Yering was established in 1969 by Dr Bailey Carrodus, a visionary that helped re-establish winemaking in the Yarra Valley after the 1920’s halt. Dr. Carrodus completed his Doctor of Philosophy for research into plant physiology at Queens College, Oxford University in 1965.
After a study tour of some of the best vineyards and wineries in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, he took up a position at Melbourne University and began the search for a vineyard site, which brought him to the now iconic Yarra Yering site.
Located at the foot of the Warramate Hills, he begun planting in 1969 and produced his first vintage of Dry Red No.1, a Bordeaux inspired blend, and Dry Red No.2, a northern Rhone blend, in 1973.
Yarra Yering quickly gained international reputation and Dr. Carrodus made his wine with outstanding success for the next 35 years.
Today, it is acclaimed winemaker, Sarah Crowe who is carrying on Yarra Yering’s proud tradition.
The fruit power is the first impression you’ll get of the Yarra Yering 2017 Dry Red No.1, with aromas of dark berry fruits and a background herbal lift of sage. Made from a blend of varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this will evolve with suitable cellaring conditions for 20+ years (if you can restrain yourself that long).
For more information on Yarra Yering – https://www.yarrayering.com/
You can purchase the Yarra Valley Stories Pack from our Yarra Valley Cellar Door, click below to buy now.