Ben says
★ Good Wine “Dark, bloody purple rim. Slightly gloopy blackcurrant nose with leather boot, blueberry and cassis-like aromas. It follows through as full and plump on the palate and it’s a little short and single noted in its youth, however there’s some tasty white pepper and black olive character with wooly tannins that add some finesse. This could go places, but it’s too soon right now. Give it 3-5 years.“
KEY POINTS
Varietal Syrah with 13.9% abv. Hand harvested from the grey alluvial soils of Oakridge’s Close-Planted block, planted at a density of 5,200 vines per hectare, 120m above sea level. Sorted and destemmed with 30% whole bunch and cold macerated for 3 days before spontaneous fermentation with regular pump overs and punching down for 3 weeks. It is then pressed into oak for 14 months’ ageing.
Grown in: Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA.
Food Pairing
Bold and fruity, I’d save this one for strong cheese or steak pies.
Disclosure & Price
Tasted during a paid-for cellar door wine tasting experience at the vineyard. Find for circa $96 AUD, not found in the UK at the moment.
Reviewed and tasted: 27/03/2024
About the Producer
Oakridge Wines started in the Yarra Valley’s expansion in the 1970s with Horst “Jim” Zitzlaff planting vines on a four hectare cherry orchard in Wandin East, which later became the Five Oaks Vineyard block.
Oakridge made its name for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines, and moved its production to the Coldstream in 1998. The Zitlaffs sold to Evans & Tate, who employed winemaker David Bicknell in 2002, who continues to run the operation today. Bicknell has continued to work at Oakridge under the D’Aloisio and Atlas families between 2007 and 2021 and since 2021 under Paragon Wine Estates. The vineyard is managed by chief viticulturist Steve Faulkner. Today Oakridge produces a wide range of wines, including its top label 864 Block, which has been lauded by critics like Halliday.
