Let me start by saying that the Cabernet and Shiraz blend is quintessentially Australian. First appearing in the mid-19th Century and revived and constantly improved from the 1970’s onwards, this is only the fourth release and is so beautifully balanced- everything is in the right place, exactly where it should be. Exceptional elegance and finesse.
Blending these two great varietals together is an art, one which Yalumba winemaker Kevin Glastonbury relishes bringing together some of the finest Cabernet from Coonawarra (The Ming D block) and old vine Barossa Shiraz (the Burgemeister “Linke” block planted in 1901 at Light Pass and the Horseshoe Vineyard on the southern side of the Yalumba winery in Eden Valley planted by Helen Hill-Smith in 1971) to produce a wine that could arguably challenge Penfolds Grange’s standings on the worlds stage. An impressive blend of 74% Cabernet and 26% Shiraz that commands attention. It has all the polish, elegance and finesse that you would expect from a world class wine with exceptional depth and complexity and impressive length on the finish.
The nose is both enticing and seductive. The palate is rich and inviting dominated by blackberries, cherries and plums with secondary notes of blueberries, red berries, chocolate, spices and mint. Drinking beautifully at the moment but will cellar out to 2030 and beyond.
Rating: 98pt- Bob Campbell and James Suckling.
Vine to Table 