2016 Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz

This is the fifth release of Yalumba’s flagship wine, the ‘Caley’ and probably their best yet. A classic marriage of two noble grape varieties sourced from two of Australia’s greatest wine regions, Coonawarra and Barossa it’s a blend of 71% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Barossa Shiraz the wine is matured for 21 months in a mix of 25% new French oak barriques with the balance in 2 year and older French oak barriques.
Impenetrable pitch black heart with a deep dark red black hue. Exuding both power and finesse the nose features complex aromatics of blackcurrant, blackberry and subtle liquorice which intermingle with vanillin cedar, tobacco, dusty earth and spicy bay leaf. Rich and plush yet also undeniably refined in its structure, the palate is a powerhouse of blackcurrant, liquorice and blackberry fruits which stretch across the breadth of the palate like a peacocks tail. Vanillin cedar, tobacco, earth, dried herbs and spice also chime in. Firmly built with sturdy yet polished tannins it shows magnificent drive and depth with a very long, generous and sophisticated aftertaste.
Cellar 10-15 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews…..
69% Coonawarra Menzies Ming D Block cabernet sauvignon, 25% Barossa Valley Nuriootpa shiraz planted 1901, 6% Eden Valley shiraz planted 1971. Wild ferment to start. Matured 21 months in 25% new French oak barriques and hogsheads. Yalumba began blending Coonawarra cabernet with Barossa shiraz more than a half century ago. This is one of the greatest expressions of this great Australian blend of recent decades. Perfect, compact, fragrant blackcurrant and blackberry fruit depth pauses time as it hovers motionless for minutes, propelled by the most intricate, chalk mineral framework of perfectly interlocked fruit and French oak tannins. A vintage to hark back to for another half century yet. Drink by 2066.
99 points
Tyson Stelzer - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

This has a very impressive sense of composure, offering a very attractive, cedary and floral nose with deep violets and a wealth of forest wood, bracken and blueberries, as well as plums. The palate has intensely ripe, assertive fruit flavors with a succulent, dense and rich delivery of black-cherry, cassis and blackberry flavors. Density with focus and a strong drive at the finish. Long and juicy with real freshness. A blend of 71% Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon and 29% Barossa shiraz. Drink or hold.
98 points
JamesSuckling.com