2012 Yalumba The Signature Museum Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

Produced from the superb 2012 vintage, this years release of Yalumba’s Signature is a fitting tribute to Robert Hill-Smith, industry legend, former managing director, and now Chairman of the Yalumba Board. Fruit was sourced from growers located throughout the Eden Valley & Barossa with maturation taking place in a combination of 25% new French hogsheads and barriques with the balance in older French, Hungarian and American hogsheads for a period of 22 months.

Another very impressive Signature in a long lineage of Outstanding wines under this iconic label.

Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Gloriously scented, ripe blackcurrant, dark plum and liquorice aromas flood the nostrils intermixing with notions of vanillin cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, earth, faint black olive and spice. Rich blackcurrant and dark plum fruits encompass every corner of the palate to mouth filling effect. Liquorice, mulberry, dried herb, vanillin cedar, tobacco, earthy dark chocolate and subtle black olive characters lend further complexity. Boasting outstanding concentration, power and textural volume, it’s sturdy fine grained tannin framework takes on a polished feel due to the sheer wealth of fruit. Concludes exceptionally long, deep and enveloping. Potentially could be as good as the legendary 2002.
Whilst it’s drinking superbly now it still has years of life left in it – drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
Spent 20 months in high quality French, Hungarian and American oak barrels made in Yalumba's own onsite cooperage. This is one of the richest and most opulent vintages of The Signature in the 41 years since the first was made. While the blackcurrant and blackberry fruit flavours dominate the oak, the wine has a certain elegant juiciness that offers drinking at any stage over the next 20+ years, as the tannins are supple and fine, the overall balance perfect.
Drink by 2032.
96 points
James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Blended of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shiraz, the deep garnet-purple colored 2012 The Signature (Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz) is a benchmark example of this classic South Australia blend. Giving scents of ripe black cherries, blackberries and cassis with underlying cloves, vanilla and menthol hints, it fills the mouth with ripe, seductive but never heavy fruit. Medium-bodied and well framed with firm grainy tannins and balanced freshness, it finishes long and youthfully taut. Always a great value Aussie icon, this vintage is right up there with the best and is certainly one for the cellars of Aussie wine lovers! Drink 2018-2030.
95 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Excellent purity and detail in this finely tuned 2012 The Signature. Initially quite a leafy expression lifted by red currants, freshly sawn cedar with a backbone of fruit pastille before aromas of wood smoke start to build. Classical palate with vibrant flavors tightly wound in a sea of fine yet firm tannins. A sleeper just starting to come of age with exceptional length to finish. Drink 2030-2050.
96 points
Angus Hughson - Vinous