The 2007 Dry Red Wine No. 1 is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, with the balance Malbec and Petit Verdot aged for 21 months in new French oak. Purple-colored, it reveals a complex aromatic array of sandalwood, spice box, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, the wine’s weight on the palate defies its 12.3% alcohol. Elegant and Bordeaux-like, it has a silky texture, layered sweet fruit, and enough structure to evolve for several years. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2012 to 2022. Yarra Yering, along with Mount Mary, is considered by Australian experts to be one of the two finest wineries in Yarra Valley. The only cautionary note is the death of Dr. Bailey Carrodus in September, 2008. He founded and nearly single-handedly ran the winery from 1973 until his death. One can only hope that this gem of a winery will continue on uninterrupted.Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

Lithe in texture, with a welcome transparency to the complex bright berry, dark chocolate and roasted meat flavors that linger on the refined finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2017. 50 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Victoria / Yarra Valley Select to Add

(66% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, 14% malbec and 4% petit verdot) Inky ruby color. Blackberry, cassis, dried violet, licorice and minerals on the nose. The palate displays striking purity and depth, with sweet dark fruit flavors reaching every corner of the palate and silky tannins adding support. Wonderfully sweet and precise wine, with excellent finishing clarity and a strong echo of minerals and flowers.

A Yarra Valley classic, Dry Red No. 1 is a Bordeaux-style blend marked by its restrained alcohol levels yet potent flavors. The 2007 features scents of tobacco, vanilla and cassis, with a hint of tomato emerging on the palate. It’s medium-bodied, with a long finish that finishes with firm but silky tannins and lip-smacking cassis. Approachable now, but should age well for 10–15 years.——J.C.(12/31/2010)—— 92