History
Yarra Yering, one of Australia's most iconic wineries, was founded in 1969 by Dr. Bailey Carrodus. Dr. Carrodus, a botanist with a PhD in plant physiology, had a vision to revive the Yarra Valley's winemaking heritage, which had been dormant since the early 20th century. With a deep understanding of plant biology and a passion for fine wine, he meticulously selected a site in the heart of the Yarra Valley, near Coldstream, and planted the first vines. His approach was unconventional at the time; he planted a diverse array of varietals, believing that the Yarra Valley's cool climate and unique terroir could produce exceptional wines across different styles.
Dr. Carrodus’s first vintage in 1973 received immediate acclaim, setting the stage for Yarra Yering’s future success. His dedication to quality and innovative winemaking practices quickly established Yarra Yering as a benchmark for Australian wines. Over the decades, the winery has continued to build on Dr. Carrodus's legacy, maintaining a focus on producing elegant, complex wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Yarra Valley.
Vineyards
Yarra Yering's vineyards are situated on gentle north-facing slopes in the foothills of the Warramate Ranges, providing optimal conditions for viticulture. The site was chosen for its exceptional drainage, diverse soil types, and cool climate, which are ideal for producing wines with finesse and complexity. The 28-hectare vineyard is divided into small blocks, each carefully managed to ensure the health and quality of the vines.
The varietals planted include classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, as well as Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The diversity of plantings allows Yarra Yering to produce a wide range of wines, each with distinct characteristics that highlight the nuances of the terroir. Sustainable farming practices are employed to maintain soil health and vineyard longevity, ensuring that the vineyards continue to produce high-quality fruit year after year.
Winemaker: Sarah Crowe
The Winemaker
Sarah Crowe, Yarra Yering's current winemaker, has continued the tradition of excellence established by Dr. Carrodus. Appointed in 2013, she has brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the winery. Crowe’s approach to winemaking is both respectful of tradition and innovative, focusing on minimal intervention to let the vineyard’s unique qualities shine through in the wines.
Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding each vineyard block, allowing her to make precise decisions during the growing season and at harvest. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the winery, where gentle handling and careful aging in French oak barrels are key to developing the depth and complexity that characterize Yarra Yering wines. Crowe's dedication and skill have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named the James Halliday Winemaker of the Year in 2017.
2017 Australian Winemaker of the Year
Sarah started exploring the world of wine via international harvests working in Oregon in 2004 and 2006 focusing mainly on Pinot noir and Chardonnay at Adelsheim Vineyard and Ponzi Family Vineyards, and the Rhone Valley in 2008 working at Paul Jaboulet Aine working with Viognier and Shiraz.
In May 2009, Sarah was the recipient of the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association’s Hunter Legends “Rising Star of the Year” Award. This award instigated a new job opportunity with Swish Wine where Sarah was at the helm as Chief Winemaker constructing a new winery for the young company.
The Wines
Yarra Yering’s portfolio is distinguished by its range and quality, with each wine crafted to express the distinctiveness of the vineyard and the vintage.
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Dry Red Wine No. 1: A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, this wine is renowned for its elegance and complexity. It features aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and earthy notes, with a structured palate and fine tannins.
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Dry Red Wine No. 2: A blend of Shiraz, Mataro, Viognier, and Marsanne, this wine reflects the Rhone Valley traditions. It offers vibrant red fruit aromas, spice, and floral notes, with a rich, silky texture.
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Underhill Shiraz: Sourced from a single block of old-vine Shiraz, this wine showcases the varietal’s depth and intensity. It displays dark berry fruit, pepper, and savory spice, with a long, refined finish.
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Agincourt Cabernet Malbec: This blend highlights the complementary qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. It has a robust structure with dark fruit, chocolate, and earthy undertones.
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Carrodus Viognier: Named in honor of Dr. Carrodus, this wine is aromatic and complex, with notes of apricot, citrus, and floral hints, balanced by a crisp acidity.
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Pinot Noir: Elegant and nuanced, Yarra Yering’s Pinot Noir offers red berry and cherry aromas, with hints of forest floor and spice, supported by fine tannins and bright acidity.
Awards
Yarra Yering’s commitment to quality has been consistently recognized with numerous awards and high ratings from critics around the world. Notable accolades include:
- James Halliday Wine Companion: Regularly awarded high scores, with many wines rated above 95 points.
- Decanter World Wine Awards: Multiple gold and platinum medals, highlighting the winery’s international acclaim.
- Royal Melbourne Wine Awards: Frequent trophies and medals, underscoring the excellence of specific vintages and varietals.
In 2013, Yarra Yering was named “Winery of the Year” by James Halliday, a testament to its enduring reputation for producing world-class wines.
