Yalumba 2008 FDR1A - 91pts

Yalumba 2008 FDR1A (Eden Valley) Barossa Valley - South Australia - Australia

Availability: Special order from BCLDB, Private Wine Shops
Cost: $30-40
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Irresistibly intense, classic Aussie Cabernet-Shiraz aromas of eucalyptus and cherry-cola leap from the glass and tickle your nostrils while vanilla, oak spice and plum notes add complexity. Equally intense on the palate with a similar flavour profile and enhanced toasted oak elements adding a nice structure of tannins supporting the concentrated fruit and acidic kick. Finish is balanced but too short.

Approaching its ideal drinking window, though, is tasting great today if you can't wait another year. Drink 2014-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Yalumba 2005 Shiraz-Viognier - 88pts

Yalumba 2005 Shiraz-Viognier (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Select fine wine shops.

Cost: $22-25

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: March 27th, 2010

Tasting Notes: A big and bold Shiraz from Australia's Barossa Valley producer Yalumba. The intense bouquet of cedar, white pepper, light perfume, green pepper, mocha and milk chocolate are dominated by loud and large dark fruits. The concentrated, but not jammy, dark fruit is carried through to the dry and full-bodied palate. Flavours of toasted oak, light stone and black pepper add complexity to this wine that would do a grilled peppercorn-encrusted streak justice.

Blended with 5% Viognier for added complexity on the nose, this wine has aged effortlessly in the five years since it was harvested with its solid acidity and good tannin structure and should continue to hold in the bottle for another 2-3 years. Drink now through 2013.
 - Liam Carrier