Community Tasting Note
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JulianSkeels Likes this wine: 94 points
February 12, 2014 - I'm impressed. From my experience Yarra Yering needs at least 10yrs, ideally 15yrs, like a decent Bordeaux - and this is yet more proof. Double decanted for 90mins and cooled down, and the wine lasted for another 4hrs in the glass without fading much (I had work calls...). Very elegant and nothing like a typical Aussie shiraz, this has only medium body and is noticeably lighter with wonderful balance and freshness from the slight acidity and a gorgeous nose of white flowers and taste of almost Burgundy (Musigny-like) sweet but not sickly red fruits, with a soft and lingering finish tending towards only slight eucalyptus. Only 13% alcohol and absolutely no heat, just great aromatics and freshness. Silky tannins. Really wonderful and bags of life left. Try double-decant and cool-down 2hrs next time and serve in either burgundy glasses for the mouthfeel or narrow-top spanish/hermitage glasses to savour the aroma. Drink now-2025. The good news is that people drink this producer far too young and write off the wine and 'green' and 'tannic' before if blossoms... meaning that gems like this can be picked up with 10-15yrs of bottle age for only $45/bt.
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6 Comments
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slaughterer commented:
2/12/14, 9:13 AM - Really a thoughtful review of a wine I am interested in but never bought. Thanks.
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JulianSkeels commented:
2/12/14, 9:24 AM - Glad it's helpful. I drink only from my cellar, so always helps to keep track of preparation and differences in these sorts of unloved gems so I can properly prepare future bottles pulled from cases. Have given up trusting most of the critics. Given the low critic points though for this (which in my mind / palate are just plain wrong based on how the wine has evolved now) it really is a no-brainier to try given the low price and drink ability... If only to experience how elegant and burgundy-like Aussie shiraz can be. Mind you, I've tried these wines young, and they are a super-tough nut to crack/read without this sort of bottle age!!!
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Dbrane commented:
2/12/14, 5:09 PM - Glad I have 1 more bottle of this lying in my cellar. Do you still have anymore to follow through the years?
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JulianSkeels commented:
2/12/14, 5:23 PM - I have another 11 bottles of this wine (first from a case), and another 20 or so cases of YY in total. Will open my case of 99 YY #1 next. I actually rate their merlot wine the best, and generally think the Underhill is often the worst bottling in their range.
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Mabuk commented:
2/9/17, 6:28 PM - Thank you Julianskeels
Just became a member today after reading your post on the Underhill Shiraz. I have an opportunity to pick up some 2001 of the same now.. you think its worth getting a doz?
Cheers
Mabuk -
JulianSkeels commented:
2/9/17, 7:39 PM - Mabuk- absolutely pull the trigger. I only have ~6bts left of this vintage but would happily have more. It will last another 10yrs easily and is still improving. The 95 Underhill is only now peaking. Enjoy!