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.
Deep red/purple colour. The bouquet is fresh and spicy, with some tobacco and dried herb, spice aromas of a cool grown shiraz. The wine is full-bodied but soft and supple in texture, with good balance and approachability despite its youth. Lovely balance and elegance; succulent and delicious.
94 points, Real Review, May 2018
Hand-picked from a 3.2ha block planted '73, whole berries fermented in half-tonne fermenters with stalk baskets, some batches with 20% whole bunches, one batch with 100%, matured for 12 months in French puncheons (30% new). Bright, deep colour; right from the outset, very different to the other wines in the release, with more spring in its step, more stalky/spice flavours behind black fruits, peppery notes inlaid into the broader mosaic of a constantly changing colour.
96 points, Wine Companion, August 2018
This manages to be fresh and aromatic and somewhat decadent at the same time on the nose. There are notes of crushed violets, blackberry compote, graphite and a touch of black peppers and herbs. Medium to full body, caressing and structured tannins, delicious acid drive and a tangy yet spicy finish that’s long and enticing.
94 points, jamessuckling.com, August 2018.
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.