2023 Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra

Named after the famous cigar shaped strip of terra rossa that defines Coonawarra, this Cabernet is one of Yalumba’s modern classics. The estate has sourced fruit from the region for decades, working with vineyards planted on the narrow band of red soil over limestone that gives Coonawarra Cabernet its signature structure and perfume. Warm days ripen the grapes fully while cool nights preserve acidity, shaping a wine that balances depth with clarity. The Cigar is built to express site first, with polish coming second.

Winemaking focuses on precision and integration. Careful fermentation extracts fine tannin and colour, while maturation in oak adds cedar and spice without overwhelming the fruit. The style is structured yet refined, aiming for longevity rather than simple power.

Deep crimson in colour, the aromas open with blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum layered with mint, cedar and dried herbs. There is a classic Coonawarra lift that feels both fresh and savoury. The palate is full bodied and firm, with cassis driven fruit wrapped in ripe tannins and bright acidity. Flavours of black fruit, tobacco and spice run long into a dry, persistent finish that tightens with grip.

It pairs beautifully with roast beef, lamb and rich savoury dishes. While impressive now with air, it will cellar comfortably for fifteen years or more, developing leathery and earthy complexity.