1995 Yalumba Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

At the 1966 annual dinner of the Adelaide Stock Exchange held at the South Australian Hotel, Australia's Prime Minister, Sir Robert G. Menzies rose from his chair to deliver the after dinner oratory. In his hand he held a glass of Yalumba Special Reserve Stock Galway Vintage Claret 1961. "Gentlemen," Menzies said, "this is the finest Australian wine I have ever tasted."It was fortuitous that on the day, Wyndham Hill Smith was a guest at the luncheon. The remark by Menzies and the ensuing publicity that the luncheon received, hatched the idea that was to become the Signature series of red wines. The 1961 Galway Vintage Claret became known as 'The Menzies'. This personalisation of the wine became the raison d'etre of 'The Signature'. Wyndham selected the best red wine from the 1962 vintage and named it after Yalumba's founder, Samuel Smith. Since the inaugural release in 1966, 34 individuals have become 'Signatories' in recognition of their contribution to the culture and tradition of Yalumba. This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Shiraz and 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine has spent 28 months in American hogsheads and barriques which have been coopered at Yalumba. Medium weight crimson colour and slightly lighter than the other wines of the 1999 Premium Red Release. Delightful nose of vanilla, spice and marzipan. The palate is generous and filled with abundant plum, spice, chocolate and mocca flavour. Fine grained firmish tannins, perfect balance with long lingering peppery spice and liquorice aftertaste. Cellar 5-8 years.