Cabernet Shiraz The Caley, Yalumba 2019

The 2019 The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz comprises 77% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, the balance 23% Barossa Shiraz (included in this a small component of Eden Valley). The Coonawarra component is from a 2.7-hectare plot planted in 1992 on a patch of dirt with higher clay content than the traditional terra rossa soils. This matured for 19 months in 24% new French barriques, the balance for one year and in older barriques. Aromatically, the wine leads with fruit instead of oak, with dark chocolate, dark berries and exotic spice coloring the bouquet. In the mouth, the wine is texturally svelte: while the tannins are profuse, they are finely milled and quite elegant. It is clear the season was warm, in that this is quite robust, but it is also powerful and sleek too. So, there exists a contrast of experience here. Very good. 14% alcohol, total acidity 6.54, pH 3.55, sealed under natural cork and wax. Drink: 2024-2039.