The seventh release of Yalumba’s FDR1A - that’s ‘Fine Dry Red’ to the uninitiated. The first was way back in 1974. You can’t mistake the Eden valley fruit in this beauty. It’s powerful yet floral and spicy. Layers and depth galore. Matured for 16 months in a mix of new and one year old French and Hungarian oak. Oh, and I love the labeling. Purdy.
Aromas of violets, black fruit and boysenberry joined by hints of game and animal hide. There’s some olivosity on a palate sparingly studded with cloves; white pepper too. An earthen baseline counters the sweeter fathoms and the flow just can’t be faulted. Fine grained tannin stacks up through the line, providing shape and textural interest. A wine to revel in. Very Good – Excellent
Region: Eden Valley
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Cork
Price: $42.95
Tasted: August 2012