Yarra Yarra ‘The Yarra Yarra’ 2004

04, not 05

Yarra Yarra ‘The Yarra Yarra’ 2004 (Yarra Valley, Vic)
13.5%, Cork, $100 (retail)
Source: Tasting
www.yarrayarravineyard.com.au

The best thing about this wine? Just how even it is. The tannic line, the delineated, lightly leafy aromatics, the utterly mid weight styling – all of it is so moderate, well weighted and ‘right’. It’s all very Claret like, which is not to say that this is a Claret impersonator, more just a great example of cool clime Cabernet.

It’s very Yarra Valley 2004 actually, showing that hint of tomato leaf and black pepper that marks the coolish 04 vintage. Beyond that, bottle age has been kind to the palate, those robust tannins softened slightly yet still in perfect shape. I love these tannins actually, I love how lively and regal and biting they are – almost like they have a mind of their own.

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Perhaps the only distraction to this wine is that little hint of greeness and angularity. Still, I’d rather a whiff of herbs than overripeness any day. Sophisticated Cabernet that at 8 years old is just a baby – it will still be looking good in ten years time.

Drink: 2012 -2024
Score: 18.3/20 93/100
Would I buy it? I’d like to have bottles in my cellar, though the price is steep…