Yarra Yering

Yarra Yering, founded by Dr. Bailey Carrodus in 1969, is one of the Yarra Valley's most historic and revered wineries. Located on a north-facing slope in Coldstream, the estate is known for its pioneering viticulture and a winemaking philosophy that combines traditional methods with a deep understanding of its unique geology. Now under the stewardship of winemaker Sarah Crowe, Yarra Yering remains dedicated to producing structured, complex, and long-lived wines that are a pure expression of its single-site terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

The winemaking philosophy at Yarra Yering is built on the foundation laid by Dr. Carrodus, emphasizing balance, complexity, and longevity. The goal is to make wines that are both powerful and elegant.

• Vineyard Management: The vineyard is planted on rocky, north-facing slopes with a mix of grey and red clay loam over a fractured mudstone base. This geology, coupled with the unique microclimate, provides a perfect environment for cool-climate viticulture. The vineyards are farmed sustainably, with a focus on low yields and manual canopy management to ensure fruit of exceptional quality.

• Harvest & Fermentation: Grapes are hand-picked and hand-sorted. Fermentation techniques are tailored to each block and variety, often involving a mix of whole berries and whole bunches. The fermentations are carried out in small, open-top fermenters, and are typically driven by indigenous yeasts.

• Additives & Filtration: A low-intervention approach is key. The wines are unfined and unfiltered to preserve their texture, flavor, and aromatic complexity. Sulfur is used judiciously to ensure stability and age-worthiness.

• Aging & Vessels: The wines are aged for an extended period in high-quality French oak barrels. The specific amount of new oak varies by wine, but it is always used to provide structure and complexity without dominating the fruit. The winery also has a dedicated museum of library wines, a testament to the longevity and quality of their products.

Grapes & Wines

Yarra Yering is famous for its Bordeaux and Rhône-inspired blends, as well as its classic varietal wines, all grown on the single estate.

• Dry Red No. 1 (Cabernet Sauvignon Blend): This is the flagship red wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It is known for its structure, power, and ability to age for decades.

• Dry Red No. 2 (Shiraz Blend): A Rhône-inspired blend of Shiraz, Mataro, Viognier, and Marsanne. It is a complex and spicy wine with a unique aromatic profile.

• Underhill Shiraz: A single-block Shiraz that is a cooler, more elegant expression of the grape, often with notes of white pepper and spice.

• Carrodus Series: A tribute to the founder, these are single-varietal wines made in only exceptional vintages from a select block of vines. They represent the pinnacle of the estate.

• Chardonnay: The Chardonnay is a high-quality, elegant expression of the variety, with a focus on minerality, texture, and bright acidity.