Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Whitsend & Oakridge Vineyards 2012 Yarra Valley Shiraz

When you think of Oakridge and winemaker David Bicknell, you probably think first of chardonnay, then pinot noir. He's a maestro with the Burgundian varieties but both Bicknell and the Yarra Valley in general are also building quite a reputation for the quality of their cool-climate shirazes. A blend of fruit from two vineyards, the 2010 version of this wine was named best shiraz and best red wine at the 2012 Yarra Valley Wine Show. I'd wager this is just as good. With intense fruit flavours and subtle oak, it is wine of balance and cohesion. Lovely drinking. $36.