24/06/2025
Yarra Valley (GI) The Rec team visit.
A sunny Monday. We hit the Eastern early and got out to see two of Yarra Valley’s most deservedly storied producers.
First stop was . Driving up the driveway passing the vine plantings dating to the late 90s as well as many of the sheep herd, that produce the famous Yeringberg Lambs. This estate was established in 1863 and every corner you turn there is a nod to Yarra Valley’s winemaking history. Winemaker Sandra De Pury showed us up the ‘big hill’ gave us a sense of the new plantings…the exposure of the site and the spot that the rocks were quarried to build the winery down the hill.
The tasting was outrageously generous, we had a look at the new Babyberg range, also Marsanne, Rousanne and Syrah with age. Standouts were in the Cabernet wines. The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (only made in great Cabernet vintages) was a particular treat. Mid-weighted, supple black fruit framed up by soft tannin. Delicious.
A (very) quick picnic on the way to our next stop. No photos, mortadella roll and a paper cup of Beaujolais.
was next in the afternoon sunshine.
Apparently a familiar cry that there can’t be a winery here…but what a winery, sure pushing the western extremes of the Yarra Valley GI..planted in 1963 to an experimental list of grapes. Maryanne Egan (and George🐾) showed us around, we are struck by the truly limited quantities of these wines.
The winemaking is thoughtful, they hit a pretty unique spot. Concentrated but softly spoken. Aussie..sure, but more stylish perhaps more Melburnian than anything. Exotic feeling Cabernet with Petit Verdot providing aromatic high notes a real treat in the Amelia 2018!
A great day had, we return to The Rec, eager to get some of these wines in our guests glasses…
