Yalumba, The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz, South Australia 2012

This is a strong cross-regional combination. Immense depth of olives, cassis, blue plums and iodine with blackberries, earthy nuances, fragrant baking spices and chocolate. The palate is beautifully assembled with deep-set tannins that carry long and majestic. Rich dark-fruit flavors. A landmark first release that will drink well for decades. Drink from 2024.

Opaque, bright-hued ruby. Deeply pitched, smoke-accented blackberry, boysenberry cherry liqueur, potpourri and cured tobacco aromas are lifted by a sexy floral note and a touch of cracked pepper. Rich but energetic, almost weightless as well, showing excellent focus and spicy thrust to its dark berry and floral pastille flavors. Smoothly balances richness and finesse and shows no rough edges. Finishes on a smoky mineral note, with outstanding tenacity, lingering floral character and velvety, well-knit tannins that lend subtle grip.

This is the first vintage of Yalumba’s new Cabernet/Shiraz-based flagship wine. Deep garnet in color, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz The Caley offers expressive baked blackberries, cherry cordial and blackcurrant jelly notes with suggestions of Chinese five spice, cedar and anise. The palate is built like a brick house, delivering a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support and complement the voluptuous, full-bodied flesh. It offers a very long, layered finish with lingering exotic spice and black berry preserves notes. Give it 3-5 more years in bottle and drink it over the next twenty-five.