You can’t talk about the Barossa Valley without including Yalumba. Established in 1849, Yalumba is Australia’s most historic family-owned wine company. While their history speaks for itself, they are still innovating and seeking new ways to craft world-class wines. They for all intents and purposes perfected the Shiraz-Cabernet blend with their “Signature” bottling. This 2015 vintage is its 55th iteration of this wine. It’s been an amazing run of great offerings with a bundle of accolades garnered along the way. Typically, equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz aged in a combination of French, Hungarian, and American oak for 22 to 24 months. The vintage produced some excellent dense and concentrated Cabernet sourced from both the Barossa and Eden Valley. Most of the Shiraz is sourced from the Barossa’s valley floor. 

Of the trio of most recent releases, insiders tend to favor the 2015 for its amazing concentration and overall balance. In the glass, this iconic wine offers aromatics of cedar, currants, and cranberries paired with a palate of plush red and blackberry fruit. Hints of black tea and oak spice add another layer of seasoning. What was powerful and dense upon release has softened with a few years of bottle rest. The primary fruit attack and tannin structure have mellowed, offering a more dried fruit component and a silk-driven texture. Poised to enjoy now with the legs to tuck away for another few years. Think favorite steak cut with this regal blend.