I was floored tasting The Yard, from Western Australia. Coming in at a modest (for Australia) 13.5% alcohol, The Yard, while still having quintessential Aussie Shiraz character, also had astonishing acidity and some real complexity. Yes there was fruit and it was rich, but it was just one component in a BALANCED wine. It seemed to expand in the glass and get richer as it was exposed to air. I think this will be amazing after a few more years in the cellar.

There is real hope for Australian wine and it is coming from The West. Exceptional, and it either is going to get insane scores in the press or get dogged for it’s lack of over-ripeness.

2005 Cherubino Shiraz “The Yard” Powderbark Vineyard, Western Australia