The 2019 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 3L is an impressive Jeroboam-format release of one of Australia's classic Cabernet Shiraz blends, produced by Yalumba in the Barossa. First released in 1962, every vintage of The Signature recognises people who have made an important contribution to Yalumba; unusually, the 2019 honours two Signatories - winemaker Kevin "KG" Glastonbury and chief viticulturist Robin Nettelbeck. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shiraz, sourced from Barossa vineyards, with the Cabernet coming from four sites and the Shiraz from vines ranging from 45 to 100 years old, including plantings dating to 1925. Wild fermentation was followed by 19 months in French and Hungarian oak, 25% new. Yalumba officially released the vintage in this 3L Jeroboam format, equivalent to four standard bottles.
The 2019 is a particularly refined expression of The Signature, combining blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry and plum with violet, cool mint, liquorice, cedar, dark chocolate, tobacco and savoury spice. It is medium to full-bodied and concentrated, but excellent acidity and long, fine-grained ironstone tannins keep the wine fresh and composed rather than excessively heavy. Halliday Wine Companion awarded 96 Points, praising its pure black fruit, fine sandy tannins and balance, while The Wine Front awarded 95 Points, highlighting its richness, freshness and velvety texture. James Suckling and Vinous both awarded 94 Points, with Vinous describing the wine as beautifully composed and built for long-term ageing.
