2021 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz first produced in 1962, Yalumba’s Signature pays homage each vintage to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the culture and traditions of Yalumba. The 2021 vintage’s signatory is packaging & development manager Chris Gerhardy who has been with Yalumba for over 50 years. This year’s release also marks the 50th vintage of Yalumba The Signature.
From vines with an average age of 49 years the 2021 Signature is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz with maturation taking place in a combination of French barriques and Hungarian hogsheads (23% of which was new oak) for a period of 19 months.

A magnificent marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Dense inky black heart with a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced blackcurrant, dark chocolate and liquorice aromas are interwoven with blackberry, tobacco, dusty vanillin cedar, dried herbs and spice. A perfect amalgamation of richness and refinement, the palate features a powerful wave of blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorice fruit which marries into a spicy vanillin cedar, tobacco, earth, dried herb, subtle dark chocolate and faint black olive back drop. Wonderfully deep and intense, the glorious layers of fruit are supported by a fine grained tannin structure that has a polished yet sturdy feel. Concludes very long and generous yet harmonious.
Drink over the next 10-15 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
This wine could easily be in the running for one of the best 2021 wines from the region. Deep in colour with stunning purity across the spectrum of blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits. Fragrant with citrus and almond blossom notes, aniseed, cedar, new leather, tobacco, panforte, bay leaf, wood spice and Christmas cake. Sporting a stunning fruit density and tension, it glides, thick with fine, billowing tannin, with a pitch-perfect cadence across the palate, lacy acidity playing its part in focusing the wine's intrinsic elements with aplomb. Pure, vital and beautifully composed. It's sure to be a classic. Drink by 2054.
97 points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

There was no 2020 Signature made. The year was very hot, and the Cabernet Sauvignon wasn't in the condition that the winemaking team wanted for the Signature; that decision was made early-on in the season. The 2021 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz is vibrant and fresh on the nose, and it leads with cassis, raspberry and pink peppercorns. It's alive and electric with flavor. 2021 was a lovely season in the Barossa: cool, mild and long, with very little climatic pressure to pick prior to when producers deemed the fruit ready. There are hints of strawberry, scraped vanilla pod, coffee grounds and star anise. I really like the aperture of this wine, with its definition, focus and freshness. 14.5% alcohol, total acidity 6.06, pH 3.63, sealed under natural cork. Drink 2024-2041.
96 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate