2019 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, Coonawarra

Since its first release in 1962, the Yalumba Signature cabernet/shiraz blend has shown a fine pedigree of cellar-worthy wines, and it looks like that bloodline will continue with the 2019 release. Deep, bright crimson in the glass and densely packed with ripe blackberry, black cherry, plum and cassis fruit notes on a bed of fine spice, licorice, cedar, dark chocolate, vanillin oak and light almond blossom tones. There's a wonderful tannin structure here, fine, compact and sandy, lending perfect structure to the pure black fruits. Nothing heavy or overblown, everything in its place, the confluence of fruit/tannin/acidity on song. Pop some in your glass or the cellar. You choose.

96 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au May 2023

Deep, dark, red-purple colour with aromas of cedar, spices, wood-oil and blackberry. A very full-bodied wine with lashings of tannin and very ripe, rich flavour. There's a core of sweet almost prune-like fruit. A big, solid and well-structured wine with a promising future. It's obviously been built to last. 05 FEB 2023 Drink 2023–2041

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

From the famed terra rossa soils of Coonawarra and selected Barossa parcels, Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz stands as one of Australia’s great classic blends. Produced since 1962 and named each vintage in honour of a significant Yalumba figure, the wine reflects both heritage and a deep understanding of regional character. Family owned since 1849, Yalumba continues to champion traditional winemaking and long maturation, crafting a style that balances power, structure and unmistakable Australian identity.

A deep garnet crimson fills the glass with commanding presence. Aromas unfold in layered waves of blackcurrant, dark plum and blackberry intertwined with cedar, bay leaf, dark chocolate and subtle dried herb complexity. There is a sense of quiet authority here, a perfume that speaks of pedigree and time.

The palate is full bodied and beautifully structured, delivering concentrated cassis and black cherry fruit framed by firm yet polished tannins and balanced acidity. Nuances of liquorice, tobacco leaf and fine oak spice build through the mid palate, leading to a long, resonant finish that feels both generous and composed. Built for the long haul, The Signature will evolve magnificently over fifteen to twenty five years, developing layers of leather, truffle and savoury depth.

Slow roasted lamb shoulder collapsing onto plates, beef and black pepper pies shared late into the night, or aged cheddar shaved thick beside crusty bread and pickles. A vinyl spin of Cold Chisel East or something expansive from Dire Straits filling the room, the wine anchoring a moment that feels proudly Australian, timeless and quietly iconic.