Soumah The Butcher Thomas Hendy Cut 2021

 

A blend of Yarra Valley finesse and the richness of Heathcote, this Soumah Thomas Hendy cut brings together Syrah, Cabernet and Nebbiolo. Despite being an odd bunch, the blend works extremely well.

Soumah Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Cool climate Cabernet getting the juices flowing. And juicy is the word. Black fruits are the hero with this Soumah release.

Burton McMahon D'Aloisio's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

 

Another beauty from Burton McMahon. These 2022 releases are humming and this D'Aloisio's Vineyard is no exception.

Burton McMahon Syme Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

 

Spicier than its George's Vineyard sibling, this Syme Vineyard release from Burton McMahon is a superb Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Give it a little more time to see it at its best as was proven over a couple of days of tasting.

Burton McMahon George's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

 

The wines in the Burton McMahon range are in a sweet spot right now. A label worth following, this George's Vineyard Chardonnay is generous but impeccably weighted. Winning!

Burton McMahon George's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

 

Epically silky, this is a smashing Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from two mates with supreme winemaking IP.

Soumah Hexham Vineyard Syrah 2022

 

Oh, I like this. The drinkability of these Soumah wines never ceases to impress. Get one for now and one for later, you won't lose.

Seville Estate Old Vine Reserve Pinot Noir 2021

 

Gorgeous. It's got some depth yet it glides with absolute ease. Its class seeps from every pore. An excellent Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from Seville Estate.

Seville Estate Dr McMahon Reserve Pinot Noir 2021

 

Select. Precise. Earthy. Delicious. That's it in a nutshell. A thought-provoking and well-made Pinot Noir from Seville Estate. The critical factor here is that it is not a wine for now. Tuck it away and forget about it. Let ageing and the glamour of excellent winemaking do their thing.

Seville Estate Pinot Noir 2021

 

That steady and calm yacht cruising along on clear waters, that's what this Pinot Noir is. What a beauty!

Seville Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2021

 

These Seville Estate Chardonnays are schmick and radiate focus and precision. Dylan McMahon has an eye for detail and he is in his element here. The Reserve 2020 stood tall against its peers in a recent tasting of some top-flight Yarra Valley Chardys. This 2021 is super as well. 

Seville Estate Reserve Shiraz 2020

 

The sophistication and concentration of this Seville Estate Reserve Shiraz are telling when tasted beside its impressive Estate sibling. This is an excellent wine to embrace.

Seville Estate Chardonnay 2021

 

I could drink gallons of this stuff. There is depth with some concentration yet it possesses a charming flow and dancy beat.

Seville Estate Shiraz 2020

 

Gee this is a great cool climate Shiraz. Silky, it glides through the mouth before dusty tannins swoop. 

Seville Estate Dr McMahon Shiraz 2019

 

From the original 1972 Shiraz plantings, only 50 dozen of this 2019 Dr McMahon were produced. Silky with a rustic edge, it took a couple of days to get about its work.

Yarra Yering Chardonnay 2021

 

A Chardonnay with refined purity and excellent balance, well-handled fruit is coupled with pristine citrus highlights and a minerally drive. Superb!

Soumah Hexham Pinot Noir 2022

 

This is a really good expression of Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from a challenging vintage. Well played Soumah.

Soumah d'Soumah Pinot Noir 2022

 

Light, bright and fresh, this is an easygoing Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley.

Seville Estate Riesling 2020

 

There are some great pockets of Riesling around the Yarra Valley, much to the surprise of many, and this is one of them. Curiously, it's a wine that is usually released with some bottle age - not the status quo for the majority of Rieslings in Australia.

So how does a $600 Yarra Valley Chardonnay stack up?

 

I was recently offered the opportunity to take a look at the debut release of Levantine Hill's Optume Chardonnay 2020. Rather than tasting it in isolation, a bracket of 2020 Chardonnays was assembled to see where things were at. And what a fabulous exercise it was!