Yarra Valley Overview
The Yarra Valley is a unique cool climate region. No one soil type, aspect or climate. The Yarra however possesses the thumbprint of stunningly pure wines of medium body with lifted perfume and firm detailed structure.
For some time, the simple breakdown of Yarra regions has been the Upper and Lower Yarra loosely separated by the Warburton Hwy. However, for some time, our eye (and tastebuds) have been drawn to different soils, valleys, mountains and the resulting variation in winds, rain, solar radiation and ultimately the different expressions of plant and fruit.
Coldstream
At the entrance to the Valley floor, this subregion is low elevation with grey loam clay based soils. Ripping winds from the north slow transpiration in summer but the cooler overnight temperatures aid the plants ability to regulate after hot days making this classic valley floor area suitable for many varieties. Ironstone/mudstone is a consistently big influence, building full mid-palate structure with soft, melting tannins.
Woori Yallock
Sitting behind the Waramate hills, this area encompasses both red volcanic and grey loam soils making it slightly more complicated to pinpoint a clear identity of this subregion. The undulating hills provide protection from the drier winds, the rainfall is slightly higher and the perfume, weight and structure appears more dense and effortless, pulling through seamlessly to the back palate.
Yarra Junction
East facing within a smaller valley that runs from Yarra Junction to Poweltown in the south, featuring grey loam soils with underlying silt. Cooler winds roll off the Yarra River, with mountains directly to the north and south-west providing protection from hot afternoon sun in summer. Typically later ripening, thicker skins and higher acids are reflected in elegant structure with clean lines and powerful drive.
Gladysdale
Sitting at the southern end of the Yarra below Yarra Junction in the valley running north-south down to Gippsland. It receives increased warm air that travels down the valley, with increased air moisture content due to the surrounding forests and higher solar radiation. Grey/brown clay soils dominate, with full, rich aromatics and a supple structure that sits prominently on the front palate.
2019 Villages Release – Technical sheets / Tasting notes