YERING STATION SHIRAZ VIOGNIER 2005

- Yarra Valley, VIC

- $20-$29

- Screwcap

- 14.5%alc

Tom Carson made some truly memorable wines during his time at Yering Station, highlighted by some of the best expressions of sumptuously fruited, absolutely delicious shiraz viognier Australia has seen. In March '07 I rated Yering Station's 'standard' 2005 Shiraz Viognier at 93pts, which seems rather harsh when compared to the 96pts James Halliday gifted the wine.

Showing upfront, vibrant aromas of earth and boot polish underlined by plums, redcurrants, licorice and decomposing leaf litter, this 6 year old red shows age in a nose that does take time to settle, but it eventually reveals pleasing, savoury intrigue. Reinforcing the signs of development, its relatively sumptuous, leathery palate displays meaty red cherry and blackberry flavours within a medium-full body. Unfortunately, its overall level of excitement and integration is neither here nor there, as the gloss of youthful radiance it once showed has now given way to earlier maturing shiraz flavours, while its structure has nestled into something softer and juicier, with a hint of tart cranberry-like acids to pass.

O Because I have such fond memories of this wine, I'm currently wishing I drunk it during the time period from which the memories came. Ah, the complexities of the ageing process and what to buy... Drink to 2013.

89 points

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