By Jed Lanyon
When two Yarra Valley producers collaborate it always produces something great, but when Australia’s winery of the year crosses paths with the world’s best gin, we’re bound to be given something extra special.
The result is a Single Vineyard Bloody Shiraz Gin. Tiny in quantity, large in flavour and complexity and the combination of the two of the best known Shiraz products in the Yarra Valley: one the region’s finest shiraz vineyard, Yarra Yering’s Underhill and the other, Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin.
Four Pillars had been quietly ageing some Rare Dry Gin in two Yarra Yering barrels since the start of 2020. So when acclaimed winemaker Sarah Crowe agreed to sell the gin makers two parcels of Underhill Shiraz fruit, the decision to collaborate was a no-brainer.
The Underhill vineyard was planted in 1973 by Ivan Vlasic on a north-facing slope in Gruyere and is one of the Yarra Valley’s oldest shiraz vineyards. Ivan named the vineyard Prigorje after his home region in Croatia, which literally means ‘foothills’. The vineyard was acquired by Dr Carrodus and became known as Underhill, a tribute to its location at the base of the Warramate Hills.
Four Pillars co-owner Cameron Mackenzie said, “We could never have done this without Sarah Crowe and the incredible team at Yarra Yering and our own crew have put enormous love, care and attention into this gin. We hope you enjoy drinking it as much as we loved making it.”
The Healesville gin brand is no stranger to success having claimed the title of International Gin Producer of the Year going back-to-back at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.
While Yarra Yering are celebrating the feat of recently winning both Wine of the Year and Winery of the Year in the highly esteemed Halliday Wine Companion 2022.
The ultra-luxury is in high demand and is available in limited quantities from Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville and at selected Dan Murphy’s stores (very limited) from September.
