2018 Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz, Coonawarra & Barossa Valley

The fruit for the 2018 The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz comes from Coonawarra and Barossa. The Cabernet Sauvignon (80% of the blend) is sourced from four blocks within the same estate-owned Coonawarra vineyard, and within that are two clones. The Shiraz (20% of the blend) is a combination of Eden Valley (15%) and Barossa fruit (5%). All handpicked and destemmed, the fruit parcels are kept separate in the winery and fermented wild in a selection of fermenters. It spent 10 days on the skins, then was pressed off to Yalumba-coopered barrels (in the main) and matured in a total of 38% new oak. It offers dusted blood plums, dark raspberry, cocoa nibs and licorice on the nose. It is composed and restrained, with a hint of toasted oak shining through the abundant fruit. In the mouth, the fruit is abundant and purple, shaped by a casket of firm tannins that assist in the flow of wine over the tongue. It is cohesive, powerful and resplendent. This is a very smart wine, one with pleasure built into its core. This is drinking beautifully now; it has polish and gloss, but it is savory (peppered roast beef crust), which makes it a little chewy and balances the fruit. This is an exciting wine, one that speaks of the classic Australian blend of "Cab Shiraz" in a respectful way, but it cannot hide its polish and modernity. Long lived plus. 300 dozen made, 14% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax.

97 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

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.

98 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

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. (80% Coonawarra cabernet, 20% Barossa shiraz).

99 points Huon Hooke  therealreview.com Mar 2023

Trophy Best Red Blend of Show, Global Fine Wine Challenge 2023 Dec 2023