Critic tasting note: "Initially there is a touch of leather, followed by a hint of cigar and more of that wet stone and earth character, buttressed by vivid, aromatic and almost floral fruit that has all the juiciness of a red-fleshed plum. The sinuous palate has beautiful freshness that seems to underline the translucent brightness of this wine. This is bold but utterly elegant. Echoes of vanilla follow the velvety tannins that have such a pleasant crunch. Wave upon wave of aroma follows, finishing long with a hint of smoke. Drink by 2050." - 97/100, Falstaff
Vineyard Notes
The Ming D block in the Yalumba Coonawarra vineyard provides the 80% Cabernet Sauvignon of this blend. This 2.7 ha plot was planted in 1992 with two clones of Cabernet Sauvignon selected for structure and depth of flavour. The Caley’s 20% Shiraz component was sourced from two Barossa blocks. The first from the Horseshoe Vineyard on the southern side of the Yalumba winery in Eden Valley. Planted by Helen Hill-Smith in 1971, this block follows the contours around the Fred Caley Smith Hut. The second block is the Burgemeister “Linke” block planted in 1901 at Light Pass.
Vintage Notes
Coonawarra: Winter and spring rainfall was above average, replenishing soil moisture and aquifers. Spring and summer were warm. The famous Bonney upwelling played its part; cooling March temperatures to deliver us fruit with fine tannins, natural acidity and strong varietal flavours. Barossa: A wet winter was followed by a drier than average spring. Summer saw warm, dry days with cool nights ripening the grapes while maintaining freshness and natural acidity. The balmy long summer of early March helped complete the ripening of these perfectly balanced and flavoured grapes.
Ageing
Matured for 20 months in 38% new French barriques, balance in 1 year and older French barriques.
Producer Tasting Notes
Very deep, dense red. Showcasing expressive, fragrant aromatics of blackcurrant and dark cherry with cool iodine notes merging into savoury, leafy hints, all typical Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. A defined, composed and very inviting wine with succulent Shiraz throughout. Medium to full depth with a densely layered structure delivering a prominent yet silky tannin profile.
