Tokar Estate: The winery you must visit this summer

PSA: This is not a pro-Dry January article. After the shemozzle that was the beginning of 2022, it seems apt to ditch that lofty goal in exchange for your nearest wine glass – or coffee mug – and pour yourself a silky, vibrant vino. Based in the Yarra Valley, Tokar Estate may be the wine label that offers some solace this summer season.

Launched in 1999, Tokar Estate began as a heap of thistles and tussock grass but has become one of the most sought-after vineyards in the Yarra Valley region. The vineyard is beloved for its bold, distinctive wine style, including the Spanish varietal Tempranillo, one of their signature wines. Their philosophy draws from the Tokar family’s love of sharing good food, wine and company. At the helm is vigneron and manager, Daniel Tokar and winemaker, Martin Siebert, who have together enjoyed a slew of accolades and industry success.

Bringing a wealth of winemaking experience and passion, Siebert has worked in renowned wineries across Victoria as well as internationally, including the OG, Burgundy, France. ‘Burgundy in particular taught me a huge amount about the importance of the vineyard site and how the wines should speak of where they were grown. Great wines can only be made from great sites so I was delighted to jump on board with Tokar Estate as I knew the site was bursting with potential,’ comments Siebert.

Milk Bar had the utmost pleasure of sampling some Tokar Estate wines and we were surely impressed. The first cab off the rank was the 2020 Carafe and Tumbler Pinot Shiraz, a red blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Shiraz. Fitting as a summer red, this wine is bright ruby with aromatic notes of strawberries, orange peel, cocoa and green tea. The medium bodied palate is big in fruit and was designed for immediate enjoyment. It takes you back to visiting a winery cellar door and enjoying a glass with friends. Simply put, the Pinot Shiraz is an instant win and bound to please most who encounter it.

Planted over 20 years ago, the 2019 Amphora Tempranillo (Special Release Label) is a joy from start to finish. The colour is a beautiful deep ruby with a tinge of purple, and it smells of boysenberry, blackcurrant leaf, brick dust and malt. The extra-long time on grape skins has knitted the tannins together to create a wine that is classy and distinct.

The 2020 Pinot Noir (White Label) is more fitting for the autumn/winter months, with notes of sour cherry, orange spray, cardamon, apple and rhubarb with an aged, fruit-driven palate and mushroom and forest floor characters coming to the fore.

It would be remiss of me to neglect mentioning the 2021 Pét Nat created from hand-picked Chardonnay grapes and Shiraz juice to produce a hazy, deep watermelon colour. Pour a glass on a sunny day and enjoy aromas of pink grapefruit, red apples and sourdough leaven with a sherbet-like fizz ending.

Get the party started with Tokar Estate wines this summer! Or, if you fancy a road trip, check out their restaurant and cellar door.