Yalumba ‘The Menzies’ Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra, SA)

There’s a sniff of peat in here. Some tarriness. (So my Coonawarra Wynns ‘91 thing wasn’t too far off.*) Fab fruity Assam tea leaf and eccles cake. So latently complex this. Loganberry leaf and pips drift in and around too. Seriously deep,  sparkly, forest berry fruit in here, which is steeped in stylish wood and formed in terra cotta dusty tannins. The (seriously fine) oak is a component, not a feature. As the wine opens it gets more moist fruitcakey and brandied cherry deep. This is classy cabernet on so many levels. There’s some struck oyster shell among the mouth-aromas and the finish lingers long. 96(97) - 10/10 - 😋😋😋 - $70 cellar direct. Exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. My usual caveat though: this is sealed with natural cork. So there will be variation. You can ascertain Yalumba’s view on the matter of natural cork closures here.

Readers familiar with my reviews (and views) over the years will know I don’t chuck these sorts of points around with the abandon of some others. Even 95+ is a big call from me. But this is a quite beautiful example of Cabernet Sauvignon, of a standard up there with any (in the world, I mean). Like I say: a big call. I might add that the majority of great international Cabernet Sauvignon is likewise sealed under natural cork.

* Late last year (2025). The Nebbiolo thingsThis clone thing is the same observation I’ve made about Yalumba’s The Signature 2023 and is based on the clonal tasting referred to above.