2018 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
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Tasting notes
Firm, glowing dark crimson. The mellow nose is already quite evolved. Lightly – but certainly not aggressively – minty and fine tannins in abundance. Quite a complex undertow. Neatly assembled! No aggressive alcohol. (JR)
Critic scores
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Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
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The 2018 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz (the 48th vintage) is named for Nick Waterman (managing director and CEO of Yalumba 2015 - 2022). The 2018 vintage in South Australia (and specifically here, Barossa) was an excellent one: ripe/warm, even and long and produced wines with density, energy and gravitas. This is exactly that: plush and powerful. The fruit forms a perfect dovetail: the enveloping, mouth-filling abundance of the Shiraz, neatly wedged into the folds of the structuring and shapely Cabernet. Very impressive. This is one of the more impressive Signatures in recent times. It will cellar with grace and ease.
Inviting aromas of blackcurrant, sliced plum, graphite, crushed stone and bark. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Structured and elegant, with a bevy of red and black fruit washing over the palate with steady intensity. Subtle baking-spice complexity and some oak is laced into the solid core of fruit. Long. Best after 2024.
About the producer
Based in the tiny village of Angaston in the Barossa, South Australia, Yalumba is the country's oldest family-owned winery. The estate produces a broad range of wines from entry-level to ultra-premium, such as The Caley.