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Yarra Valley

Australia

About Yarra Valley

Victoria's premier cool-climate wine region, the Yarra Valley sits on Melbourne's eastern doorstep. Its elevation and southerly latitude create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both as still wines and as base for high-quality sparkling. The upper Yarra (higher, cooler) favours Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the lower Yarra (warmer) produces excellent Shiraz and Cabernet. A new generation of winemakers is exploring the region's diversity with site-specific wines that showcase the Yarra's complex volcanic and sedimentary soils.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990
Red
White

Cork tracks drinking windows for every Yarra Valley vintage in your cellar. Sign up

Outstanding Yarra Valley Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2024

Ready
Excellent

Despite forecasts for a hot, dry summer, conditions were mild with cool nights and rain when needed. Pinot Noir and Cabernet showed outstanding potential, with elegance, pure fruitiness, and excellent structure.

2026Peak 2029–20382042

2023

Ready
Excellent

Cool temperatures and high rainfall produced terrific reds. Pinot Noir shows lovely purity with bright aromatics and silky texture.

2025Peak 2028–20362040

2021

Ready
Exceptional

Near-perfect growing conditions and healthy yields created an excellent vintage. Outstanding Pinot Noir with depth, complexity, and silky tannins.

2023Peak 2027–20392043

2019

At peak
Excellent

End-of-season cooling generated elegant wines. Pinot Noir shows lovely purity and refinement.

2021Peak 2025–20352038

2017

At peak
Excellent

Late, cool, wet year showcased wines with structure and freshness. Pinot Noir is outstanding, with great depth and complexity.

2019Peak 2023–20332037

2015

At peak
Excellent

Long, cool growing season produced elegant wines. Outstanding Pinot Noir with purity and fine-grained tannins.

2017Peak 2021–20312035

2013

At peak
Exceptional

Warm, dry, early conditions generated vivid, full-flavoured wines. A landmark vintage for Yarra Valley Pinot Noir.

2015Peak 2019–20312035

2012

At peak
Exceptional

An exceptional vintage for Pinot Noir with wines of real depth and complexity. Mild conditions and low yields produced concentrated, beautifully balanced wines.

2014Peak 2018–20302034

2010

At peak
Excellent

Lighter than usual but with intense flavours at lower alcohol. Excellent Pinot Noir with elegance and purity.

2012Peak 2016–20282032

White

2024

Ready
Excellent

Mild summer with cool nights and well-timed rain produced outstanding Chardonnay. Wines boast elegance and pure fruitiness with vibrant acidity.

2025Peak 2027–20342037

2023

At peak
Excellent

Cool temperatures and adequate rainfall produced Chardonnay of lovely purity and freshness. Bright acidity and fine mineral character.

2024Peak 2026–20332036

2021

At peak
Exceptional

Near-perfect growing conditions produced exceptional Chardonnay with depth, complexity, and vibrant acidity. One of the great Yarra Valley white vintages.

2022Peak 2025–20342038

2019

At peak
Excellent

End-of-season cooling produced Chardonnay of elegance and finesse. Lovely purity with bright stone fruit and citrus notes.

2020Peak 2023–20312034

2018

At peak
Excellent

Chardonnay was the standout in the Yarra Valley. Cool growing season produced wines of brightness and finesse with excellent varietal definition.

2019Peak 2022–20292032

2017

At peak
Excellent

Late, cool, wet year produced Chardonnay of great structure and freshness. Excellent natural acidity with stone fruit and citrus notes.

2018Peak 2021–20282031

2015

At peak
Excellent

Long, cool growing season produced elegant Chardonnay with pure fruit and fine structure. Excellent aging potential.

2016Peak 2019–20272030

2013

Drink now
Excellent

Warm, dry conditions produced full-flavoured Chardonnay with good concentration and ripe stone fruit character.

2014Peak 2017–20242027

2012

Drink now
Excellent

Mild conditions and low yields produced concentrated Chardonnay of great purity. Excellent natural acidity and fine mineral character.

2013Peak 2016–20232026

2010

Past window
Excellent

Excellent Chardonnay with intense flavours at lower alcohol. Bright acidity and fine mineral expression.

2011Peak 2014–20222025

2008

Past window
Excellent

Near-perfect conditions produced outstanding Chardonnay of great purity and balance. A benchmark vintage for the variety.

2009Peak 2012–20202023

Terroir & Character

Climate

warm summersfog & mistcool nightsmaritime

Cool to moderate maritime climate with warm summers and cool nights, plus morning fog from the Yarra River that extends the growing season and preserves crucial acidity in the grapes.

Terroir

volcanic soilsdiverse soilswell-drainedclaylimestone

Ancient volcanic soils mixed with clay and limestone create excellent drainage, while the undulating topography offers diverse aspects and elevations – from river flats to hillside sites up to 400 meters high.

Typical Aromas

red cherryraspberryvioletforest floorwhite peppereucalyptus
Explore the aroma wheel

Grapes of Yarra Valley

Chardonnay

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearmelon

Arguably the world's most versatile white grape. Takes on the character of where it grows and how it is made, from steely, mineral Chablis to rich, oaky New World styles.

Pinot Noir

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryred cherryviolet

Thin-skinned grape with naturally low tannin. Typically made as a single varietal; also used extensively for Champagne and other sparkling wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yarra Valley wine special?▼
The Yarra Valley's cool climate is what sets it apart - sitting at Melbourne's doorstep with higher elevation and southerly latitude that creates perfect conditions for elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region produces both exceptional still wines and world-class sparkling wines from these grapes. The upper Yarra's cooler, higher sites are particularly renowned for producing some of Australia's most refined Pinot Noir.
What are the best Yarra Valley vintages?▼
2021 is absolutely stellar for reds - it's rated 5/5 with near-perfect growing conditions and healthy yields. Both 2023 and 2024 are excellent across the board, each rated 4/5 for both reds and whites. The 2023 vintage produced particularly pure Chardonnays and lovely Pinot Noirs thanks to cool temperatures, while 2024 surprised everyone with mild conditions despite predictions of a hot, dry summer.
What grapes are grown in Yarra Valley?▼
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars here - they're the key grapes that define the region. These cool-climate varieties thrive in the Yarra's conditions and are used for both premium still wines and top-quality sparkling wines. The upper Yarra Valley is especially famous for its Pinot Noir production.
Is 2024 a good year for Yarra Valley?▼
Absolutely - 2024 turned out to be an excellent vintage rated 4/5 for both reds and whites. Despite forecasts predicting a hot, dry summer, the region enjoyed mild conditions with cool nights and well-timed rainfall. This produced outstanding Chardonnay and impressive reds, making it a vintage definitely worth seeking out.
When should I drink Yarra Valley 2024?▼
The 2024 Chardonnays are drinking beautifully now and over the next 3-5 years while they're fresh and vibrant. For the Pinot Noirs, I'd give them another year or two to develop complexity - so 2026-2030 would be ideal. The cool vintage conditions should give these wines lovely aging potential.
What food pairs well with Yarra Valley wines?▼
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is fantastic with duck, salmon, or mushroom dishes - its elegance and earthy notes complement these beautifully. The Chardonnays pair wonderfully with shellfish, roasted chicken, or creamy pasta dishes. Don't overlook the sparkling wines either - they're perfect with oysters or as an aperitif.
How does Yarra Valley compare to other major wine regions?▼
Think of Yarra Valley as Australia's answer to Burgundy - it's all about cool-climate elegance rather than power. Compared to Barossa or Hunter Valley, the wines are more restrained and food-friendly. The Pinot Noirs rival those from Tasmania or Mornington Peninsula, while the Chardonnays compete with the best from Adelaide Hills or Margaret River.