Eden Valley 14.0% Cork $36.95
The best vintages of Yalumba’s FDR1A (Fine Dry Red) are wonderful examples of the synergy between Cabernet and Shiraz, capable of aging with real grace. Whilst the 2008 is more of a drink now proposition it is difficult to deny the formidable charms that the wine already presents.
A warm blanket of ripe fruit, cedary oak and spice that is all about comfort. The vintage has imparted liqueur like characters to some of the flavours but the fruit does not come across as baked or lifeless. Cherry kirsch, crème de cassis, menthol, dark chocolate and plums hold sway over aniseed, tobacco leaf , nutmeg and cloves - with a savoury, salty minerality adding a welcome counterpoint.
It’s not overly heavy in the mouth either – a line of acidity delineates the palate and melting chocolate tannins take care of matters on the back end. Yes, there have been better releases in the past but there’s no shortage of drinking pleasure on offer here.
Winery website- http://www.yalumba.com/