Melbourne’s favourite winter wine: Tokar Estate’s 2021 Carafe and Tumbler

May your winter hibernation be amplified with one of Melbourne’s favourite wines, the Tokar Estate 2021 Carafe and Tumbler CST. Ideal for a Christmas in July shindig, a casual afternoon vino with an accompanied decadent cheese platter, or a Sunday roast lamb, you will be wowed by Tokar Estate’s second release of its Carafe and Tumbler range. Milk Bar was fortunate enough to snag a bottle and enjoyed it with some blue cheese, aged cheddar, crackers and Sicilian green olives.

The family-owned Yarra Valley label have jazzed up the beloved Aussie Cab Shiraz and injected a big dash of the Spanish grape, the Tempranillo, in a fun, bold, unique twist. The result is the affectionately known CST, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz and 10% Tempranillo. The grapes were entirely grown from Tokar Estate’s mature vines in ancient grey clay soils in Coldstream.

The colour is a deep, seductive ruby with a blue tinge, which shows its youth. The palate is plush, sweet-fruited and savoury at the same time. While sipping on the CST, your senses will be piqued with the aroma of the forest floor, with aromas of coffee, blackcurrant, red liquorice and a little autumnal leaf leap from the glass.

Let’s discuss pairings. Tokar Estate have some suggestions. The CST will be a gem with any European-inspired casual eats, including a Mediterranean platter, a roast with Mediterranean veggies, homecooked spaghetti Bolognese or, if UberEats is your friend, not foe, order a takeaway prosciutto pizza.

Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Tokar Estate is guided by the philosophy of sharing good food, wine and company. Vigneron and manager, Daniel Tokar and winemaker Martin Siebert, who together have enjoyed a slew of accolades and industry recognition, have transformed Tokar into one of the most sought-after vineyards in the region.

The Mediterranean-inspired cellar door and restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday and currently offers a two or three-course menu. Inspired by the nostalgic flavours of fresh-off-the-boat seafood in Corfu, or wild game meats prepared to perfection in Provence, their current winter menu will transport you to stone farmhouses and long harvest lunches across Europe. Highlights include Confit Prawn & Smoked Mussel Escabeche with Croutes and Lemon Aioli for entrée; Hand Rolled Braised Rabbit Mafaldine Pasta with Saffron and King Brown Mushrooms; and Earl Grey Brûlée with Lemon Curd for dessert.

Delicious, easy to drink, sophisticated, Tokar Estate’s Carafe and Tumbler CST is a sure thing this chilly season. Fetch the bottle for $30 online or at any good wine retailer.

Tokar Estate
6 Maddens Lane, Coldstream, 3770
Open Monday, Thursday to Sunday; Monday, 10am to 5pm; Thursday and Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 5pm, 6:30pm to 9pm; Sunday, 10am to 5pm
tokarestate.com.au