The 2007 Dry Red Wine No. 2 is 96% Shiraz with dollops of Mourvedre, Viognier, and Marsanne filling out the blend. It spent 21 months in 50% new French oak. Purple-colored with a super-spicy nose of black pepper, incense, smoke, bacon, and blueberry, on the palate the wine is medium-bodied, elegant, and refined, a veritable Catherine Deneuve of a Shiraz. Impeccably balanced, ripe, racy, and lengthy, it will continue to blossom for several more years and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2022. Yarra Yering, along with Mount Mary, is considered by Australian experts to be one of the two finest wineries in Yarra Valley. The only cautionary note is the death of Dr. Bailey Carrodus in September, 2008. He founded and nearly single-handedly ran the winery from 1973 until his death. One can only hope that this gem of a winery will continue on uninterrupted.Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

A Yarra Valley classic, Dry Red No. 1 is a Bordeaux-style blend marked by its restrained alcohol levels yet potent flavors. The 2007 features scents of tobacco, vanilla and cassis, with a hint of tomato emerging on the palate. It’s medium-bodied, with a long finish that finishes with firm but silky tannins and lip-smacking cassis. Approachable now, but should age well for 10–15 years.——J.C.(12/31/2010)—— 92