Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz 2016

99 Points - Wine Companion

69% Coonawarra Menzies Ming D Block cabernet sauvignon, 25% Barossa Valley Nuriootpa shiraz planted 1901, 6% Eden Valley shiraz planted 1971. Wild ferment to start. Matured 21 months in 25% new French oak barriques and hogsheads. Yalumba began blending Coonawarra cabernet with Barossa shiraz more than a half century ago. This is one of the greatest expressions of this great Australian blend of recent decades. Perfect, compact, fragrant blackcurrant and blackberry fruit depth pauses time as it hovers motionless for minutes, propelled by the most intricate, chalk mineral framework of perfectly interlocked fruit and French oak tannins. A vintage to hark back to for another half century yet.

98 Points - James Suckling

This has a very impressive sense of composure, offering a very attractive, cedary and floral nose with deep violets and a wealth of forest wood, bracken and blueberries, as well as plums. The palate has intensely ripe, assertive fruit flavors with a succulent, dense and rich delivery of black-cherry, cassis and blackberry flavors. Density with focus and a strong drive at the finish. Long and juicy with real freshness. A blend of 71% Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon and 29% Barossa shiraz. Drink or hold.

96 Points - Wine Advocate

The 2016 The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz is sourced from both Coonawarra and the Barossa (Cabernet from Coonawarra, Shiraz from Barossa), and is an elegant if old-school rendition of the classic Australian blend. Cassis, milk chocolate, licorice, raspberry, black olive brine, bramble and spice combine to bring about a harmonious, tranquil wine. The tannins are fully entrenched into the fruit, cushioned and disguised from view from all angles. This is a satisfying, plush wine with layers of fruit and velvety tannin. It will age very well. 96+ (EL)