2008 Stephanie's Dream Chardonnay

Best of the Best By Variety

The same Swiss watch precision is evident here as in the standard wine, but with a deliberate fretwork of complexity, particularly on the bouquet; the oak influence is restrained, but an integral part of the wine; the freshness of the finish is remarkable. Screwcap.
13% alc. Rating 96 Drink 2020

2006 The Collection Heathcote Shiraz

Best of the Best By Variety

Strong red-purple; a wine still with the exuberance of youth, yet beautifully balanced and textured; the full array of black fruits have spice and oak lurking in the background; great drive and length. Diam.
14% alc. Rating 96 Drink 2025

2008 Stephanie's Dream Pinot Noir

While sharing many of the flavours and aromas of the standard wine, this has significantly greater focus, intensity and length; the flavours drive through the palate and aftertaste with rare elan. Screwcap.
13.5% alc. Rating 95 Drink 2016 $45 Date Tasted Feb 10

2008 Estate Chardonnay

Light straw-green, near-identical to Stephanie's Dream; a super-elegant and super-refined wine, every note carefully calibrated as you move through from the bouquet, to the palate, to the finish and aftertaste; the flavours are first and foremost of white fleshed stone fruit, polished by perfect acidity. Screwcap.
12.5% alc. Rating 95 Drink 2018

2006 Stephanie's Dream Merlot

Purple-crimson hue; significantly more complex than the standard merlot, and greater structure; the question is whether the tannins will soften before the fruit; the answer is very likely yes, but I doubt it's an issue for most tasters anyway. Diam.
14% alc. Rating 94 Drink 2021

2006 Stephanie's Dream Cabernet Sauvignon

A somewhat savoury/austere, albeit correct, expression of cabernet, blackcurrant fruit impregnated with powdery tannins along the length of the palate; a good wine, although not in the normal polished style of YarraLoch. Diam.
14% alc. Rating 94 Drink 2021

2008 Estate Merlot

Clear, red-crimson; has the medium-bodied weight, texture and structure needed for good merlot; the flavours, too, are spot on, with plum, redcurrant and black olive/bay leaf interwoven with fine tannins; exemplary length. Screwcap.
14% alc. Rating 94 Drink 2016

2008 Estate Pinot Noir

A smooth and supple wine, with ripe black cherry and plum fruit on the bouquet and palate; the tannins are fine and silky, toasty oak makes a significant contribution; just a fraction light on. Screwcap.
13.5% alc. Rating 90 Drink 2014

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