2018 Yalumba The Cigar Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Matured for 16 months in new and older French oak. Outstanding colour featuring a dense inky black core and a deep dark red black hue. Sailing out of the glass are blackcurrant, black olive and subtle liquorice scents which meld into vanillin cedar, earthy tobacco and bay leaf notes. Rich blackcurrant fruits carry ample weight across the medium to full bodied palate with elements of liquorice, spicy vanillin cedar, a hint of earth and light bay leaf ensuing. Sturdy structure with fine grained tannins leading into a long elegant finish that shows plenty of polish.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews…..
92/8% cabernet sauvignon/malbec. Matured 19 months in (20% new and 10% 1yo) French oak barriques and hogsheads. A terrific vintage for the great Menzies vineyard. Textbook, crunchy blackcurrants and blackberries are wrapped in cedary, fine-boned French oak, nuanced with roast coffee bean and high-cocoa dark chocolate. Firm, fine-grained tannins unite with vibrant acidity on a finish of fantastic energy and endurance. Now under screw cap, every detail is upheld. Drink by 2043.
94 points
Tyson Stelzer – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion