Yalumba are totally committed to the Cabernet Shiraz blend and they sure have a handle on it. As much as I love the 2009 FDR1A, I think ‘The Signature’ is probably the superior wine from an objective perspective. There’s a little more subtlety and ageworthiness on offer here, despite the heatwave that occurred during the 2008 vintage:
“luckily most of the Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz fruit was in the winery, with the last few blocks ready to be harvested quickly before any adverse effect was seen. The result was a wonderful year for The Signature.”
For the trainspotters (like me), it’s 56% Cabernet with 17% of that sourced from the Eden Valley and 44% Shiraz (2% Eden Valley). Matured for 20 months in 30% new hogsheads and barriques; American, French and Hungarian.
Cassis, choc-cedar oak, sweet spice, elegant autumnal leaf and a hint of raspberry coulis which I just couldn’t shake. Richness without jaminess and a sublime segue from acid to dusty tannin. Plenty of savoury Cabernet character and a touch of baked earth. Expansive length too. All class. Excellent
Region: Barossa
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Price: $52.95
Tasted: August 2012