Medium-deep ruby, with a strong, vibrant centre. Classic varietal aromas of cassis and ripe berries with a touch of leafiness. The palate is medium to full-bodied and well-structured. Perfectly ripe, full of cassis and smoky oak with a pronounced fruit profile.

The 2017 vintage provided an exceptionally ideal cool and elongated growing season akin to winding the clock back to the classic Yarra Valley conditions of yore. Conditions were perfect for sourcing grapes with the intention of creating a classic style of cool-climate claret reminiscent of the pioneering wines that forged the Yarra Valleys enviable reputation. The wine features brooding restrained fruit characters of cassis and blackberry with complexing savoury elements of bramble, bergamot, sage leaf, amari, nutmeg, sandalwood, laurel, leather and star anise. Suppleness on the palate combines with flavours of red liquorice, smoked paprika, charred meats and cassia bark. The silky texture and juicy flavours intertwine on the poised youthful palate, rewarding repeat visits as the regal tannin layers accumulate on the finish. Decanting is highly recommended.

DE BORTOLI WINES The Estate Vineyard Dixons Creek Cabernet, Yarra Valley

2021 was a cool vintage with good crops. Bolstered by slow ripening tannins and layers of gently spicy dark fruit this wine is a revelation. Wonderfully bright, ripe and textural.

The K Block Merlot comes from a single vineyard. Savoury spice and plum flavours reward the drinker with a fuller body than most Yarra Valley red wines. Beautifully structured and balanced, this is a stunning example of a much-maligned grape. 2015 was an excellent vintage in the Yarra Valley. Ideal conditions persisted throughout the growing season, with temperatures hovering in the mid to high twenties from veraison to harvest. Cool nights and mild days gave perfect ripening conditions, with the fruit in perfect condition at harvest. A long north-west facing block with clay loam soils. The block has long produced grapes with subtle flavours and firm structure which is well suited to this clone of Merlot and the preferred style for TarraWarra Estate. Fermented in French Oak foudre (4000L) and matured over 18 months in French Oak puncheon (500L) and barrique (225L) (20% new barriques). TarraWarra Estate was established in 1983 by Marc and Eva Besen with a vision to producing wines of great quality and integrity amidst a welcoming and beautiful location. TarraWarra Estate is located on a prime site at the warm eastern end of the Yarra Valley in southern Victoria. It is recognised as one of Australias great wine estates. Chief winemaker, Clare Halloran leads a team at TarraWarra Estate that pays particular attention to the characteristics of each new vintage. The remarkable qualities of every individual vineyard block are preserved by fermentation and vinification of many different parcels of fruit. As a result, TarraWarra wines offer a unique reflection of seasonal conditions in the vineyard. TarraWarra Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have received consistent acclaim and numerous awards. They are premium wines of great character and depth, crafted with elegant structure and balance. They reflect the outstanding quality of 100% estate grown fruit from the unique microclimate of a specially selected site.

Fresh blackberry aromas with hints of mocha and French oak. Full-bodied, with a luscious dark berry mid-palate; seamlessly structured with fine but firm tannins and balanced acidity that ensures a long, lingering finish.