I’m a little conscious about regurgitating press releases on this site, I’ll leave that to Firstpress or the like.

However interesting information sometimes passes the desk, and in this case its news from a winery that is not know for its communications and its interesting and relevant news.

Personally I count myself as a fan of the Yarra Yering wines (though rarely the whites) and was lucky enough to meet the late Doctor for the first time late last year. I don’t know if he had much time for me though – I was asking way too many questions…

The letter below (I am presuming) went out to all people on the YY mailing list. I duly hope I’m not out of line for posting this on the web.

From Tim Hampton, Yarra Yering GM

I am writing to you on the verge of the 2009 vintage to give you some news on how Yarra Yering is faring since the loss of Dr Carrodus and to let you know about some new developments. Mark Haisma and Paul Bridgeman our winemakers have just finished bottling the 2007 vintage for release in May. This is a small vintage but good quality and 2008 is looking very similar in terms of size and quality. The notable difference between the two is that there is a very small quantity of Dry Red Wine No.1 in 2007, and not much shiraz based wine in 2008, no Underhill at all in fact. As a balance to this I am pleased to say that we are very happy with the development of the sAgincourt Cabernet Merlot and this is in good supply in both ’07 and ’08. 2009 as I’m sure you are aware has been a difficult year in some respects. A wet lead up to Christmas made for a constant struggle with mildew, and then after the break came as hot a period as I can remember in the valley. Four mid forties days in a row scorched the berries on the west side of the vines and the follow up was of course the fires that did so much damage to so many throughout Victoria. The upshot of all this will be the third small vintage in a row. As I am writing to you we have the chardonnay and the pinot in the barrel and while the quantities are very small the quality of both looks exceptional. Our feedback from the market for some years has indicated that although most people understand the Yarra Yering wines benefit greatly from time in the bottle, most people find it difficult to hang onto them for the requisite time. With that in mind and taking advantage of our increased vineyard area we are releasing for the first time with the ’07 vintage a shiraz based wine made for early drinking and at a reduced price point. $35 per bottle. This wine still exhibits the trademark YY intensity of fruit and long clean finish, but is softer and more approachable as a young wine. For the ’08 vintage we will release a cabernet based version of this wine and from ’09 on, vintage variation allowing both wines will be a permanent part of our portfolio. At the other end of the range 2007 will see the first release of the Carrodus wines. The Merlot and Viognier will carry this label along with a Cabernet Merlot and in future years a Shiraz. The new wines are a special selection that will only be released when the quality is there with no compromise to the existing wines. The two new wines will share the same price point as the Merlot and Viognier and will be in very small quantities. I also wish to let you know that in accordance with Dr Carrodus’ will, the executors of his estate are now commencing arrangements for the sale of Yarra Yering. It is to be sold as a going concern with the existing staff and all their experience of Dr Carrodus’ viticultural and winemaking methods retained. We plan to go on producing great wine and nurturing this unique piece of terroir for many more years. Our best wishes to all and release notices will be sent out in April. regards
Tim Hampton
General Manager
Yarra Yering Vineyards

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