Gems in My Glass . . . July 2015
Stars Aligned in the Barossa Valley, Australia – Part 3 Yalumba Family Vineyards has been in the Smith family for five generations; their first vines were planted over 165 years ago in 1849. Yalumba means “all the land around”, and an enchanting land it is. History shows colorfully at the property upon which sits a stately historic home, the warm and inviting tasting room, and the fully equipped winemaking facility. Kevin Glastonbury, winemaker at Yalumba for the past 15+ years, provided us with an extensive tour and tasting. We enjoyed sampling wines from multiple vintages, which offered an opportunity to gain insight from various harvests and a glimpse of their ageworthiness. My favorites include:Yalumba 2013 Roussanne; Eden Valley, Australia: White flowers on the nose make way for a juicy fruit-packed mouthful of stone fruit, fresh apples, lemon-lime juice, shades of herbs and a pretty sweep of minerality. Energetic and streamlined with bright acidity carrying the succulent fruit to a vibrant, clean aftertaste. SRP: $24Yalumba 2013 Viognier; Eden Valley, Australia: Aromas of stone fruit really get the juices flowing. This phenolic driven Viognier easily wins you over, as fresh apricot and ripe peach notes spill onto the palate. Round and mouth coating with a smooth texture and pretty balance, the wine finishes with a pop of peach schnapps. SRP: $24Yalumba 2008 “The Tri-Centenary” Grenache; Barossa Valley, Australia: Here is a deeply fruited, cohesive wine from the engaging bouquet to the palate pleasing flavors. Raspberries, strawberries and red cherries link delightfully with savory spice accents. Hints of vanilla and caramel join in on the back of the palate, and the nicely integrated oak peaks through on the satisfying aftertaste. SRP: $60Yalumba 2009 Steeple Vineyard Shiraz; Barossa Valley, Australia: From a well-developed vineyard dating back to 1919 comes this lush Shiraz. Savory aromas join blackberry, boysenberry, dark chocolate shavings, spice and a touch of fresh mint cascading onto the palate. The rich fruit is offset by lively acidity. This Shiraz is completely engaging as it picks up steam and finishes with pizazz. SRP: $60Yalumba 2010 Paradox Shiraz; Barossa Valley, Australia: Tightly wound, decant this beauty for full enjoyment. Patience is rewarded, as aeration reveals a wonderfully complex wine. Concentrated black plum and cassis at the core interlace with underbrush, fresh earth elements, and sweet oak spice framed by firmly structured tannins. Remarkable purity through the persistent finish. SRP: $43Yalumba 2011 Cabernet/Shiraz FDR (Fine Dry Red); Barossa Valley, Australia: Intense yet pleasing and approachable now, this wine is oh so easy to quaff. Layers of cassis, spiced black plum compote, wild berries and herb-dusted meat weave in harmony as the backbone of tannins and vibrant acids provide splendid framework. This vintage may have been a challenge, but you’d not deduce that after tasting this savory, well put together wine. SRP: $43Yalumba 2012 “The Signature” Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz; Barossa Valley, Australia: In the glass you’ll find a classic example of just how well Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz can play together, wow. Precise and elegant, the alluring aromas just begin the irresistible attraction. Multilayered and captivating, black cherries, cassis, black plums, eucalyptus, black peppercorns and crushed herbs unwind with exceptional depth and complexity on the palate. The finish explodes with brilliance. $60Yalumba 2009 “The Octavius” Old Vine Shiraz; Barossa Valley, Australia: Here is a powerhouse of a wine that speaks confidently of its terroir. Expressive up front with winning aromas of dark fruit and a persuasive entry, the wine builds provocatively on the palate. A multifaceted, intensely built Shiraz with black plum and boysenberry at the core harmonizing with accents of spice encrusted roasted meat, eucalyptus, well integrate oak and a hint of mint lingering through the long finish. I would have no qualms about cellaring this Shiraz for a decade or more. SRP: $100Yalumba is another Barossa property I highly recommend for a visit; there is plenty to explore here. Until then, check out their website at www.yalumba.com. The beauty and history of the Barossa Valley with all its charm, delicious sips and bites, and engaging personalities is guaranteed to please; certainly a region to add to your bucket list!
