2021 Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz 750ml Gift Box

99/100 Winepilot Critic tasting note: (2021 vintage) "It might be suspicion only but one feels that our venerable old Barossa producer, Yalumba, may have felt that, as impressive as its portfolio of wines is, the world did not see them having a release which challenged the Granges and the Hills of Grace and a surprising number of new releases at ridiculously high and arguably undeserved prices. Enter this wine, although it still sits well below how others when we start talking cost, but then that is only to its advantage. They opted for the great Aussie red blend to take it away from the usual single variety rock stars. It is also a blend of regions with the Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra and the Shiraz from the Barossa. There have been some absolutely superb releases of this wine over the years but for me, none better than this 2021. It is a superstar. Under cork. Gleaming blood red/maroon, the nose reveals notes of bright cherries, tobacco leaves, spices, well integrated oak, plums, blackberries, aniseed, cassis and beef stock. It is subtle and seductive, generous and plush, offering a fine line of acidity in great length. There are silky tannins on the lingering finish. Superbly focused, this is surely the best Caley to come my way (and I have seen them all). Stonkingly good, if one wishes to get technical. Thirty years with ease." - Winepilot Drinking Window: 2029-2045 Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon & 20% Shiraz Grapes sourced from Coonawarra and Barossa Vineyard Notes The Ming D block in the Yalumba Coonawarra vineyard provides the 80% Cabernet Sauvignon of this blend. This 2.7 ha plot was planted in 1992 with two clones of Cabernet Sauvignon selected for structure and depth of flavour. The Caley’s 20% Shiraz component was sourced from two Barossa blocks. The first from the Horseshoe Vineyard on the southern side of the Yalumba winery in Eden Valley. Planted by Helen Hill-Smith in 1971, this block follows the contours around the Fred Caley Smith Hut. The second block is the Burgemeister “Linke” block planted in 1901 at Light Pass. Vintage Notes Coonawarra: Winter and spring rainfall was above average, replenishing soil moisture and aquifers. Spring and summer were warm. The famous Bonney upwelling played its part; cooling March temperatures to deliver us fruit with fine tannins, natural acidity and strong varietal flavours. Barossa: A wet winter was followed by a drier than average spring. Summer saw warm, dry days with cool nights ripening the grapes while maintaining freshness and natural acidity. The balmy long summer of early March helped complete the ripening of these perfectly balanced and flavoured grapes. Ageing Matured for 20 months in 38% new French barriques, balance in 1 year and older French barriques. Producer Tasting Notes Very deep, dense red. Showcasing expressive, fragrant aromatics of blackcurrant and dark cherry with cool iodine notes merging into savoury, leafy hints, all typical Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. A defined, composed and very inviting wine with succulent Shiraz throughout. Medium to full depth with a densely layered structure delivering a prominent yet silky tannin profile.