The 2010 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Museum Release is one of the finest mature releases of this iconic Australian blend, showcasing the remarkable ageing potential of Yalumba’s flagship wine. First released in 1962, The Signature is one of Australia’s benchmark Cabernet–Shiraz blends, produced in honour of individuals who have made significant contributions to the Yalumba family and culture. The 2010 vintage was dedicated to the legendary Jane Ferrari, Yalumba’s globally respected wine communicator and Barossa icon.
The blend comprises 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shiraz sourced primarily from the Barossa Valley, with maturation for around 20 months in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak. The outstanding 2010 vintage is widely regarded as one of South Australia’s great modern growing seasons, producing wines with exceptional structure, freshness and longevity.
After extended cellaring under Yalumba’s Museum Release program, the wine has developed extraordinary complexity while retaining remarkable vitality. The nose is deeply layered, showing blackberry, satsuma plum and black cherry alongside cedar, baking spices, dried herbs, panforte, tobacco, polished leather, earth and dark chocolate. Mature secondary notes of liquorice, coffee and savoury spice add further depth without diminishing the wine’s fruit core.
On the palate, it remains full-bodied yet beautifully composed, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and exceptional balance. Layers of cassis, dark plum, black cherry, cedar, tobacco and dark chocolate flow through a long, elegant finish. Critics have praised the wine’s youthful energy despite its age, with Halliday Wine Companion awarding 96 points and describing it as "very classy drinking." The wine continues to show freshness, structure and remarkable harmony, proving why The Signature remains one of Australia’s most consistent long-lived reds.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is a perfect example of why mature Museum Release wines are so special. Compared to a current-release Signature, the 2010 offers significantly more complexity, savoury depth and tertiary character while still retaining impressive fruit vitality. Compared to Penfolds Bin 389, it often shows greater elegance and composure with a more seamless integration of Cabernet and Shiraz. The 2010 vintage is particularly revered for its structure and longevity, making this an outstanding opportunity for collectors to experience a fully mature Australian icon without waiting decades. Drink now with decanting or over the next 10–15+ years. Perfect with slow-roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, game meats or long celebratory dinners.
