ACCOLADES

We have received considerable recognition for the high quality of Yarra Yarra wines since its inception.

James Halliday:
Since 2000, James Halliday in his Annual Wine Companion has given Yarra Yarra his highest ranking of 5 stars, Òan outstanding winery, regularly producing exemplary winesÓ.
His Pocket Guide to Wines of Australia states that our ÒSauvignon Semillon and Cabernets have exceptional finesse, balance and longevityÓ.

Jeremy Oliver:
ÒYarra Yarra is a maker of assertive, relatively powerful Yarra Valley wines that still convey a strong impression of elegance, harmony and restraintÓ. The Onwine Australian Wine Annual, 2004

ÒYarra Yarra is a small and dedicated maker of finely crafted Yarra Valley table wines from the Bordeaux varietiesÓ. The reserve level Yarra Yarra cabernet blend 2003 is a spectacular wine, the best yet from this winery and a red that shows that Australian vineyards can indeed marry the key attributes of cabernet sauvignon; depth of perfume and flavour, with strength and inherent structureÓ. The Australian Wine Annual 2007

Hugh Johnson:
In his 2006 Pocket Wine Book, Yarra Yarra receives his second highest rating.

David Pearce:
ÒThis is one of the last great undiscovered vineyards in AustraliaÓ and comments that our red Bordeaux blend was Òone of those wines that just had the ÔwowÕ factorÓ. In his recently published book Ð The Wines of Australia. UK Wine Merchant

This wine was called Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon until 1999.

Received classification by LangtonÕs in their 2005 listing. Of 101 Australian wines, Yarra Yarra is only the fourth Yarra Valley vineyard to be recognised by LangtonÕs.

Since the 2000 vintage, The Yarra Yarra has received scores of 96 or 97 from either Jeremy Oliver or James Halliday.

James Halliday:
2002 Ð Selected in HallidayÕs Top 101 Wines in The Weekend Australia, November, 2005
2002 Ð Runner up in the 2005 Tri-Nations Wine Challenge, representing the best Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Philip Rich:
2003 Ð Chosen in Philip RichÕs Top 20 releases of 2006, including Old and New World wines: ÒIan MacleanÕs flagship The Yarra Yarra 2003 is a stunning wine from a producer I have long regarded as the best and most consistent cabernet producer in the Yarra Valley. Deeply coloured, this has a great nose with its perfectly ripe fruit aromas of cassis and blackberry intermingled with dark chocolate and violets, ÉÉÉÓ The Australian Financial Review Magazine, December 2006
2000 Ð Selected in Philip RichÕs Top 20 Releases of 2003

Jeremy Oliver:
2003 Ð Selected as one of ten best current release Australian wines tasted in 2006, scoring 97 points:
ÒIf, like many, you grew up thinking that cabernet was thin lean and greenish, you need to try this wine. ItÕs an aristocrat among Australian cool-climate reds, based on deep, dark and brooding fruit depth that knits seamlessly with new oak and firm, powdery tannins. ItÕs a classic cabernet blend whose qualities are the very things you look for in fine PaulliacÓ. The Australian Wine Annual 2007
2000 Ð One of six finalists for Jeremy OliverÕs Top Wine of the Year in 2003, scoring 96 points.

James Halliday:
1984 - 1998 Ð ÒWord got around that the wines of Yarra Yarra were of exceptional quality. Just how exceptional became apparent at a vertical tasting held in July 1999Ó. Vintages are included in the 3rd edition of Classic Wines of Australia.

Lester Jesberg:
1984 - 2000 Ð ÒItÕs very important to note the ripeness of fruit in these wines Ð and the tannin ripeness as well. All too often cabernets from AustraliaÕs cooler regions are decidedly leafy and light on the middle palate. IÕve heard that problem passed off as Òregional characterÓ, but the truth is that itÕs simply lack of physiological ripeness. By and large, The Yarra Yarra wines avoid the dreaded vegetal thinness, and are right Ôin the zoneÕ when it comes to flavourÓ. Vintages included in his ConsumerÕs Wine Guide, October 2003

Philip Rich
2005 Ð Selected in his 2007 Top 20 releases: "Deeply coloured, this is utterly seductive... Ripe, concentrated and powerful on the palate, with firm persistent tannins..." The Australian Financial Review Magazine, December 2007..

Jeremy Oliver:
2005 Ð "Clonakilla has some genuine competition!............ 96points" www.jeremyoliver.com.au, May 2007

Max Allen:
2001 Ð ÒYarra Yarra can produce wines every bit as good as those from the famed Mount Mary Ð as its fine, focussed and funky (think wild berries and undergrowth) Shiraz impressively proves. It is simply a stunning, elegant red wineÓ. The Weekend Australian Magazine, July 2003

Simon Woods:
2000 Ð ÒThe Maclean style is one of subtlety rather than power, as this exceptional Syrah eloquently demonstrates. It has wonderfully pure plum, damson and blackcurrant fruit, notes of pepper and spice and a slightly roasted edge ˆ la C™te R™tie. Undeniably lovely stuff and the antithesis of the blood-and-thunder of the Barossa. 94 pointsÓ. UK Wine Magazine, June 2003

Philip Rich:
2002 Ð Selected in Philip RichÕs 2005 Top 20 Wines, including Old and New World wines:
ÒNot only is Yarra Yarra the finest and most consistent Cabernet producer in the Yarra Valley, Ian Maclean, who first planted vines in 1979, also makes one of the most complex and interesting SŽmillon Sauvignon Blanc blends in the countryÉÓ. Australian Financial Review Magazine, December 2005

James Halliday:
1989 - 1999 Ð ÒAlthough I knew the high quality of the Cabernets, I was surprised with the remarkable consistency of quality and style of the Sauvignon Blanc SŽmillonsÓ. Vintages are included in the 3rd edition of Classic Wines of Australia

Lester Jesberg:
1990 - 2000 Ð ÒOverall, these wines display impeccable balance, and the texture and length of flavour are trademarks of the style. The new oak is well integrated and there is plenty of lees-derived complexity.
The Yarra Yarra Sauvignon SŽmillons are definitely Bordeaux-inspired, and I hope they provide similar inspiration to other makers working with the two varieties. ItÕs remarkable to see Australian whites like the 1990 and 1992 Yarra Yarra which contain significant percentages of sauvignon blanc, yet manage to age with such graceÓ. Vintages included in his ConsumerÕs Wine Guide, October 2003