Composed mainly of Shiraz with 2% Viognier, 1% Mourvedre and 0.5% Marsanne, the 2008 Dry Red No. 2 gives a medium garnet-purple color and aromas of spiced plums, blueberries, preserved apricots, dried Provence herbs and some earthiness. The palate is wonderfully balanced and textured with a medium level of very fine, silky tannins, high acidity and concentrated exotic fruit flavors lingering long into the finish. Suggested drinking window is 2013 to 2020+. Along with Giaconda, one of the most incredible visits during my recent tour of Victoria was Yarra Yering. I'm pleased to report that the new owners have not done a thing to compromise the spirit or unique methods of the late Dr. Bailey Carrodus. The winery's GM, Tim Hampton, has been with the winery since the 1980s and will remain there for the foreseeable future ensuring that techniques and quality remain consistent at this historic landmark. I arrived in the midst of the harvest and got to witness this very special winery in action. The original vineyards here were planted in 1969, today remaining unirrigated and low-yielding. The crux of the winemaking is to maintain single vineyard purity achievable by small batch fermentations in vats that were designed by Dr. Bailey to be manageable by a single man. Therefore all the wines are made in 90 custom built, wooden, square shaped, 600 kg fermenters, which neatly equate to one hogshead barrel of wine. Stalks are part of the red winemaking, a combination of natural yeasts and cultured yeasts are used, and acid is never added. The wines are not filtered, and they have their own bottling unit so that the entire job is finished on the site. After the trials of the 2007 vintage (bushfires came dangerously close to the winery that year), Yarra Yering has emerged in 2008 firing on all pistons. The 2008 line-up is extraordinary, particularly considering the challenges of the vintage. Not all these wines are available in all markets, but they can be found for a limited time at the cellar door if you're willing to make the pilgrimage - and you should consider it!Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

Lithe, refined and refreshing, a distinctively elegant style of Shiraz that emphasizes pure raspberry and strawberry fruit and a deft balance of polished tannins and acidity. Finishes with clarity along with floral scents. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now through 2020. 50 cases imported. -HS