2018 Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz

99 Points - Huon Hooke, The Real Review

“Good depth and hue of colour it's still purple-tinted at this age. The bouquet is fresh and bold, replete with forest-floor/mint and dried-herb nuances, while the palate is very powerful, concentrated, full-bodied and firmly constructed. Deep-set cassis fruit as well, still partially in hiding. This is a dense, power-packed cabernet-driven red with abundant tannins. Tremendously long finish. A magnificent wine, which has what it takes to age and reward cellaring for the long term.”

98 Points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal

“Medium deep crimson. Very attractive cassis, dark plum, with marzipan, roasted chestnut notes, hints of aniseed. Generous pure blackcurrant, dark plum flavours, fine slinky textures, beautiful mid palate viscosity and integrated roasted chestnut. Tannins flow into a lacy plume at the finish. Beautifully balanced wine with all of the elements tucked in perfect symmetry. A classic modern South Australian Cabernet Shiraz with very good volume, density, complexity and torque. Should last a good 50 years, especially with its long high quality cork.”

98 Points - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

“The great Aussie red blend is done magnificently by one of our oldest and most accomplished wineries. As well as blending Cabernet and Shiraz, this is a blend of two of our most iconic regions, Coonawarra (for the Cabernet) and the Barossa (for the Shiraz, obviously). 2018 was a cracking vintage and time in the cellar has only added to the complexity. This vintage, the blend is 80% Coonawarra Cabernet and 20% Barossa Shiraz. The wine spent 20 months in French oak barriques, 38% new. There is a glorious sweet core of choc cherry fruit here plus exceptional balance and serious length. Blackberries, coffee beans, tobacco leaves and so much more. A wonderful wine with decades ahead of it, at least twenty years.”

98 Points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

“The Caley has quickly established itself as a benchmark for the classic cabernet/shiraz blend. In 2018, it's 80/20% Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon/ Barossa shiraz matured for 20 months in French barriques (38% new). The melding of both variety and region is compelling and captivating. Beautifully poised blackberry and blackcurrant lie sympatico with plum and dark cherry. Notes of cedar and tobacco with fine spices, gentle herbal tones, dried citrus blossom, pencil case and cinnamon. Picture-perfect fruit depth, powdery mineral framework and harmony in all aspects of its composition, leaving the impression of a wine at the top of its game and one destined for a long life in the cellar.”