On our recent trip Down Under this time we visited Yarra Valley in Victoria. Only one hour’s drive from Melbourne this is one of Australia’s oldest wine growing regions, dating back to 1838. This cool climate area is famous for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as its sparkling wines. Probably the best-known sparkling wine produced in Yarra Valley is Domaine Chandon, a brand of the world-famous Champagne house Moët & Chandon, but this is not the only Champagne house active here. Yarra Valley’s first winery, Yering Station has been producing Yarrabank in cooperation with Champagne Veuve A. Devaux since the early ’90s.
The Wine Junkies decided to visit the region’s oldest winery Yering Station and were impressed with the beautiful scenery and its excellent facilities. Besides the cellar doors where visitors can taste the wines and purchase local delicacies, there is also a restaurant, an art gallery and the Chateau Yering next door, an absolutely stunning luxury hotel.
The staff at the cellar door is absolutely welcoming and hospitable and can tell you a great lot about the wines they produce.
There are a few different labels carried by Yering Station,namely Yering Station Village, Yering Station Estate, Yering Station Reserve and Yarrabank (sparkling wine). Naturally, we tried all ranges and were particularly impressed with their chardonnays, pinot noirs and their vintage sparkling wine.
Our Yering Station favourites were the below bottles which we wished we bought some more of. Please see our tasting notes below:
Yering Station Estate Chardonnay 2015
Pale yellow in colour, beautiful buttery aroma with hints of peach, toast and vanilla. In contrast to some of the Aussie chardonnays from other parts of the country, this chardonnay also has some nice acidity and medium body.
Yering Station Reserve Pinot Noir 2015
Yering Station’s Reserve ranges is only made in exceptional years. This Pinot Noir has a great aroma of red and black berries. Well-balanced, rich in taste, yet subtle and finesse this is a rich and concentrated Pinot of which we couldn’t get enough.
Potential to bottle-age another five years to reach full potential.
Yarrabank Late Disgorged 2005
This is without doubt Australia’s benchmark sparkling wine. It is made in cooperation with the Champagne house Veuve A. Devaux and the 2005 vintage is simply spectacular. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir it is made using the Champagne tradition, thus having a second fermentation in the bottle. Taste this wine blind and you might think you are drinking a fine vintage Champagne.
Yarra Valley is a great wine region to visit and has lots to offer, not only for wine lovers, but also food aficionados and nature lovers will enjoy their time here. Yering Station is a must-visit on your trip to Yarra Valley, not only because of its history, but visiting the estate is an experience, and if you have a chance, make sure to book a lunch at the restaurant as well. It offers a spectacular view over the vineyard and while you are there, do visit the art gallery as well. Yering Station has put a lot of effort and attention to its facilities, gardens, architecture and to educate and provide its guests with an unforgettable experience.
Santé!
Albert & Willem
THE WINE JUNKIES 
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