2009 Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Jeremy Pringle

South Australia 13.5% Screwcap $12.95

Yalumba’s Y Series and De Bortoli’s Windy Peak labels would have to mount a strong case for being the best value Australian made wines at around the $10 mark. Angove could throw its hat in the ring but it doesn’t boast the same range, Tahbilk rate a mention but the Shiraz and Cabernet are nearer $15 and apart from the Marsanne you’ll be hard pressed to find many of their other varieties on retail shelves.

I’ll be getting notes on the new/current release Y Series wines up on the site over the next week. They all have a fair amount to offer, with a few standing out as being a little bit special (the ’10 Y Series PinotGrigio is my favourite and has already been reviewed here).

As always seems to be the case, the Shiraz Viognier is one of the best performed in the stable. There’s no mistaking the blend with its bouquet of violets, vivid blue and red berries, liquorice, rosewater and spice. A hint of stone fruit makes its way in there as well but it never goes as far as overt apricot. It’s juicy in the mouth and presents savoury rock salt and drinking chocolate characters that add a certain gravitas to such an inexpensive wine.

The texture is a highlight as well; a little silty in the mouth and with some nice, shapely tannin rounding things out. You’ll get more depth and length as you move up tiers in the Yalumba SV range but there’s quite enough here for the price.

Winery website- http://www.yalumba.com/

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2 Responses to 2009 Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier

  1. Chris Plummer says:
    February 12, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Haven't had the '09 yet but it sounds like another good call JP :)

    I used to buy some of my (wine quaffing) friends and family good bottles of wine for special occasions, but then I came to the realisation that my money could've been better spent elsewhere…

    Since then, I've got into the habit of gifting mixed half dozen/dozens for $60 or $120 each, and I've been enjoying the challenge myself! :)

    Rest assured, my 'gifts' last year did include bottles of Yalumba's 2008 Y-Series Shiraz Viognier and De Bortoli's 2008 Windy Peak Pinot Noir.

    Cheers,
    Chris P

  2. Jeremy Pringle says:
    February 14, 2011 at 1:16 am

    It makes sense doesn't it? Your friends and family no doubt benefit but if you're like me, it's still difficult to do. I'm always hoping I'll gift a wine good enough to totally convert someone. "One of Us! One of Us!" etc :)

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