From a 3.2ha block of Shiraz planted in 1973, purchased by Dr. Carrodus in the 1990s, the Underhill is 100% Shiraz sourced exclusively from the unirrigated 1973 planted 8-acre block of Shiraz at the western extremity of Yarra Yering. This is balanced, New world cool climate Shiraz – hand-harvested and destemmed with no crushing to retain whole berries, directly to the Yarra Yering half-tonne open-fermenters.
The Underhill is basket pressed and aged for 18 months in French oak puncheons (500L) only 30% new oak. The heavier clay-based soils produce a wine showing dark fruits and spice, chewy tannins.
'A pointed, svelte and highly aromatic shiraz with lilac floral and rosewater scents snuggled against blue fruits and the tang of red cherry. The palate is lithe, etched with a stream of transparent acidity, anise and Yarra Yering's immaculately crafted tannins, a quilt with the finest of weaves. The finish is long and sapid, yet the wine is embedded with medium-bodied genetics, firmly of place and never struggling against its natural realm of elegance.'
95 points, James Halliday
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley was first planted by the Ryrie brothers who explored a way through the Snowy Mountains to the Yarra Valley, planting grapes in 1838 just three years after the foundation of Melbourne. A wine industry (developed by Swiss Settlers particularly Hubert de Castella and Baron Guillaume de Pury in the 1850s) thrived during the gold rush era and heyday of the 19th century. However, the end of the gold rush brought the wine industry into decline and it was not until the 1970’s that the modern wine industry started up again. The region is probably Australia’s best-known cool-climate area, yet it is really a patchwork of meso-climates. This varied topography creates an incredible set of variables. Vineyards are planted on elevations of 50 to 400m on varying aspects and management programmes. The more exposed sites are subject to severe spring frosts and winds. Overall, the area experiences a relatively high rainfall pattern and is known for its temperature extremes during ripening. Site selection is crucial, with the best vineyards often located where the original vines were once planted, generally on sandy clay loams and gravels. The Yarra Valley is well known for high quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Blends with Shiraz increasingly garnering attention. Sparkling wine production is also extremely important, with many of Australia’s finest examples produced in the region.