Yalumba The Caley 2019

 

Sleek, graceful and plush. Despite its relatively short history, Yalumba's The Caley has stamped its authority as one of Australia's great red wines. This 2019 is as superb as ever. 

Fred Caley Smith left Australia in 1893 and was a horticulturist by trade. He ventured on a two-year global trip to discover pruning and packaging techniques.  

It was in 1999 that a box of back-to-back letters was found tucked away on the Yalumba property by Jane Ferrari. Her dogged determination to tell his story has certainly left a legacy. As a result, Yalumba now has six bound journals telling the story through the eyes of a 27-year-old from Angaston - a town at the time with a population of 200. 

Seen as Yalumba's first international personality, Caley Smith took Yalumba to the world so naming the brand's flagship after him was more than fitting and a tribute to a man who had a great impact on the business.

Yalumba produced its first multi-regional red wine in 1932 and winemaker Kevin Glastonbury has maintained that tradition during his 24 vintages with the company. Vigneron/Proprietor Rober Hill-Smith refers to Glastonbury as, "A pillar of our rare and fine wines."

Supreme Coonawarra Cabernet from the Menzies block (77%) is partnered with two of the best Barossa and Eden Valley Shiraz blocks (23%) that Yalumba have at their disposal before winemaker Glastonbury gets to work. This set of red wine releases I have recently tasted highlights his incredible skillset - experience is key when working with such wines.

Blackcurrant pastilles, blackberry paste, mulberries and whispers of juicy dark cherries get you in the mood. There is a tension yet its presence and flow ooze elegance. Silhouettes of blue fruit tuck in behind dark chocolate, licorice and a curvaceous dried herb appeal. All elements fold into one another with ease and that is precisely what elevates this blend. Like a vintage car, take care of it and it will repay in spades. Some time in the decanter has proven that correct. Powdery and dusty tannins slowly draw moisture from the mouth leaving a mountain of awe to ponder. Absolutely incredible and captivating. Bravo!

Drink to fifteen years+

98/100

Region: Coonawarra, Barossa & Eden Valley

RRP: $370
Source: Sample

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