Founded in 1969 by the late Dr Bailey Carrodus, Yarra Yering remains one of Australia’s most revered wine estates — a pioneer of modern Yarra Valley viticulture. Today, under winemaker Sarah Crowe, the estate continues to craft wines of purity, poise, and longevity that honour its founder’s meticulous vision.
Wine Overview
Dry Red No. 1 is Yarra Yering’s Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, typically composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It is the estate’s most classically styled wine — structured, perfumed, and built to reward long-term cellaring.
Vineyard
The fruit is sourced from the original Yarra Yering vineyard at Coldstream, planted in 1969. Its north-facing slopes and gravelly, free-draining soils yield low crops of intensely flavoured berries with vibrant acidity — key to the estate’s elegant, medium-bodied style.
Winemaking
Small-batch fermentation in traditional open fermenters with hand plunging, followed by 18 months’ maturation in French oak barriques (around 40% new). The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve texture and integrity.
Vintage
2011 was one of the coolest and wettest vintages in Yarra Valley history — a season that demanded patience and precision in both vineyard and winery. For Yarra Yering, these conditions yielded Cabernet of striking aromatic lift, restrained power, and exceptional elegance.
Tasting Notes
The 2011 Dry Red No. 1 shows lifted aromas of cassis, redcurrant, cedar, and fresh herbs, underpinned by graphite, tobacco, and floral spice. The palate is finely etched — medium-bodied with red and black fruit purity, silky tannins, and a persistent mineral finish. A graceful, classically proportioned Yarra Valley Cabernet blend of remarkable refinement and longevity.
Technical Information
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: ~13%
Maturation: 18 months in French oak (approx. 40% new)
Closure: Cork
Drinking Window: Now – 2035+
A Vintage of Elegance
The 2011 Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 captures the finesse and restraint that define the estate’s greatest vintages. A wine of purity and grace — proof that true craftsmanship transcends even the most challenging seasons.
