Its fair to say Luke Lambert hasn't looked back since 'relocating' his Syrah to the Tibooburra vineyard. This southwest sloping site lies in the southeastern corner of the Valley, near Gembrook, and might be the coolest microclimate of the Yarra. The site is expertly managed by Greg Kerr, the grower who planted the vineyard in 2001. The soils here are considered very unusual for the Yarra, comprising a seam of black volcanic topsoil over yellow clay with a smattering of granite rock throughout. Furthermore, the quality of the clonal material in Tibooburra supplies Lambert with deeper and darker Syrah fruit that also has more depth and structure. This is what drew him to the site and a good chunk of the reason the Syrah has become a touchstone example of cool-climate Yarra Shiraz.

OAKRIDGE WINES 864 Close Planted Block Shiraz, Yarra Valley

Intense aromas of white pepper, cloves, cardamom pods, ginger, Damson plums with an underlying hum of stalky complexity. A fine acid line, chewy youthful tannins and high-tone oak define the palate supporting flavours of red and black fruits and subtle herbal, charred meats and sous-bois characters. Extremely deep and reverberative flavourful finish that lingers long. This wine is suitable for vegans.

Shiraz - Dense nose evoking aromas of cedar, plum, raspberry and roasted meats.The palate is vibrant and ethereal, leading into flavours of plum, blackberry and licorice spice, with refined tannins adding length and density to the wine.

Shiraz - Deep rich cherry red in colour. A robust aroma with very ripe plum/cherry tones and obvious oak leading to a mouth filling palate with long finish. The palate is soft, well balanced with a lingering fruity finish. The wine is ready to drink now or can be cellared for up to 8-10 years.

Vibrant in colour with intense purple hues, the aromatics are all red florals with notes of berry crumble and baking spices. The palate is layered with brooding red fruits, mulberry, black cherry and blood plum. Star anise, fennel and freshly crushed peppercorns add complexity to this luscious core. Tension and weighty fruit are followed by long chewy tannin which drives to a silky finish.

Yarra Yering is not only a Victorian icon, but a true Australian wine treasure. The Underhill Shiraz is sourced exclusively from the 1974 planted block of Shiraz at the western-most extremity of the vineyard. Drawn from soils with a higher clay base which has resulted in a wine of a more masculine bent offering darker fruits and spice with chewier tannins and a savoury undertone.

Once again this producer provides us with a handy little number showing plenty of varietal and regional characteristics. Sticks Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley, features lovely red cherry flavours with playfull spices and charry oak influence. Lean with subtle tannins and medium finish.