Tasted: two sub-$40 reds by Australia’s winery of the year

Whilst Yarra Yering has firmly established its position as a national leader in the premium wine space, its more budget-oriented Warramate portfolio often flies under the radar despite sharing the same winemaking philosophy and pedigree.

Adjoining Yarra Yering’s property, the Warramate brand was first established in 1970 and later acquired by Yarra Yering in 2011. As such, Sarah Crowe oversees wine production at both sites alongside viticulturalist Andrew George.

The collective work of Crowe, George and the rest of the team has steadily helped to develop Yarra Yering into one of Australia’s top wine brands, earning it accolades such as The Real Review’s Winery of the Year for 2024, Halliday Wine Companion’s Winery of the Year and Wine of the Year in 2022. Sarah Crowe has also been named the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology’s Winemaker of the Year for 2022 Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year both in 2017 and in 2021.

At Yarra Yering and Warramate, Crowe’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with a deep understanding of the vineyard’s potential, has resulted in wines that are celebrated for their purity, complexity, and balance.

The Warramate portfolio today includes three reds, two whites, and one rosé. The Drinks Trade tasting panel recently had the opportunity to taste both the 2021 Cabernet Merlot Malbec and the 2022 Syrah. This is what the panel had to say:

Warramate Syrah 2022, Yarra Valley

Blend: 100% Shiraz
ABV: 13%

“The Syrah comes from vines that date back to the 70’s and some parcels coming from more recent plantings in the 2000’s. The fruit is lively and expressive: rich plum and succulent red berries, some white pepper spice and layered tannin structure.

“The wine enjoyed 15 months in barrel, all French with 10% new.”

Warramate Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2021, Yarra Valley

Blend: 60 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Malbec
ABV: 13.5%

“This wine showcases vibrant notes of black mulberries and blueberries, with a medium-bodied mouthfeel. The palate is generous with rich, juicy fruit and liquorice. Lovely chalky tannins are layered with a bright acidity that highlights the wine’s purity of fruit and refined elegance.”