2014 Yalumba The Caley

82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Shiraz. Winemaker Kevin Glastonbury. Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra (planted 1994, own rootstock), Shiraz from Barossa (Barossa Valley, planted 1974 and 1971 on own rootstock, and Eden Valley). In Coonawarra, a wet winter was followed by cold, windy conditions, reducing yields. Summer was dry and warm by day with cool nights. In Barossa: good winter and early-spring rains but a windy spring led to uneven fruit set. During late spring  and summer conditions remained dry and warm. Then on 14 and 15 February around 100 mm rain fell in just over 24 hours. This rainfall and the following cool weather caused ripening to slow down. A moderate-cropping vintage. All parcels were fermented separately in either 8-tonne open fermenters or 6-tonne static potter fermenters. Aged for 20 months in French oak barriques (40% new). NHB. Gentler than the 2019 but still very charcoal and inky. Thick and sweet. Very trad Oz. Just a little pinched. Very dry finish. (JR)

The 2014 The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz comprises 81% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Shiraz from Barossa Valley. On the nose, there is salted licorice, roasted meat crust, pink peppercorns, graphite, charry black spice and loads of dark chocolate. In the mouth, the wine is substantial, bigger than the framing of the 2014 vintage that has previously been painted by the wines on the table today. The impact of the élevage is quite profound here and casts a dark light over the wine. There are notes of toasted walnuts and cracked pistachio, rose attar and tapenade. This has plenty of time left to go. The wine matured for 20 months in 46% new French barriques and hogsheads, with the balance in one-year-old barriques and hogsheads. 14% alcohol, 6.2 total acidity, 3.52 pH, sealed under natural cork.

This 2014 The Caley, a blend of Coonawarra Cabernet (82%) and Barossa Shiraz (18%), is almost perfect with its vibrant and seamless aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and new leather with hints of Australian bush. Classical lines of firm tannins underpin a well composed core of vibrant, energetic flavors with palpable tension, exceptional balance and length. Delightful and will last another two decades.