2018 Yalumba FDR1A Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, Eden Valley

The FDR in this wine's name stands for 'Fine Dry Red'. If it were me, I'd call it 'ALC', or 'Aussie Luncheon Claret', but I guess that's why I'm not in marketing. Eden Valley fruit for this classic Australian blend and it's a deeply coloured, deeply fruited and perfectly poised wine that shows pristine black fruit characters, layers of spice, licorice, earth and a roasting meat tone. There is a very impressive density to its fruit without becoming overblown or suffering loss of clarity, and the tannins melt into the wine as it rumbles off into the distance, all latent power and opulent fruit. Lovely stuff.

95 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Yalumba FDR1A Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz is a beautifully balanced blend from Eden Valley that brings together the structure of Cabernet with the plush fruit of Shiraz in a way that only Yalumba can. First made in 1974, FDR1A stands for Fine Dry Red and it has become something of a cult classic for those who appreciate elegant Australian reds with depth, texture and ageability.

Fruit is sourced from high altitude vineyards where cool nights and long ripening periods allow for vibrant acidity and fine tannin development. The Cabernet brings blackcurrant, cedar and drive while the Shiraz adds generosity, spice and flesh. Fermentation takes place in open fermenters with gentle cap management, and the wine is matured in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads for about 14 months.

The wine opens with aromas of black cherry, cassis, bay leaf, dark chocolate and violets. The palate is medium to full bodied with supple texture, showing blackberry and red plum layered with savoury herbs and warm spice. Tannins are present but fine and integrated, giving the wine both shape and length.

Food pairing: a natural match with roast lamb, beef Wellington, mushroom stroganoff or aged cheddar. Also pairs well with grilled eggplant or a hearty lentil and tomato stew.

Cellar potential: drinking well now but will age gracefully for 10 to 15 years, gaining more earthy complexity and silky structure.