Sip slow and sip all night. Behold another brilliant Yalumba Signature release. Given the incredibly high-level consistency of the red wines produced by winemaker Kevin Glastonbury, surely some higher honours beckon? This is a class act all the way.
I had the pleasure of looking at this pre-release sample over a few days. Wines of such acclaim deserve that privilege and this Signature is shining the torch brightly once more.
A 54/46 blend that sees 21 months in oak, 33% of which is new French, along with Hungarian and American. The Cabernet comes from four vineyards across the Barossa including Williamstown, Gomersal, Krondorf and Light Pass whereas the Shiraz comes from Nuriootpa, Truro and Light Pass. The skill of the winemaker is evident given the differences in all these parcels.
Some oak presence is noticeable early but that is understandable - this is a wine for later not now. Dark chocolate and dark cherries muse. There is more depth here than in previous years I feel. The fruit coats the mouth generously, yet there is a precision about its swagger. The Cabernet really steps up to the plate. Dark plums and black fruit plus some fruit compote, too, before lashes of mintiness and dried herbs leave a trail of moreishness. Roasted peppers find some wriggle room after a couple of days of tasting and shift some focus to licorice and richer black fruits. Some tension is evident but it softens. Cloves rise up before fine dusty tannins make an appearance. Softly spiced to finish, it just rolls on and on. Excellent winemaking with the long term in mind. Impressive deluxe!
Drink to ten years+
95/100
Region: Barossa
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