YALUMBA SANCTUM CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023

Offering insane value for money at this deal price, Sanctum comes off Yalumba’s Menzies Vineyard that lies in the heart of Coonawarra, the holy grail of all Cabernet purists, and for over 35 years has produced some of the region's best.

Sanctum remains a standout in Yalumba’s impressive range and a consistent favourite of ours. Drawing on the estate’s long mastery of Cabernet and the renowned terroir of Coonawarra, it delivers all the hallmarks of the region with confidence and polish.

What makes it even more compelling is the value. To find this level of pedigree and regional character for under $20 is genuinely remarkable.

Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"Our Menzies Estate Vineyard lies in the heart of Coonawarra on the famous terra rossa soil over limestone. This valuable patch of land is the holy grail of all Cabernet purists; with soil vivid red in colour, it is perfect for growing exceptional full-bodied red wines.

Deep crimson in colour. Intense aromas of blueberries, violets, dark red plums and dark berries. Rich and vibrant, the wine bursts with fresh, intense red and blue fruits, the palate is structured with the mid-palate balanced by fine, long tannins."

94/100 Ray Jordan, WinePilot.com, May 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"Hails from the Menzies Estate vineyard, smack bang in the middle of Coonawarra on those famous terra rossa over limestone soils. The aromas provide a slightly interesting departure from the fairly typical blackcurrant, which is still there but augmented with a subtle blueberry note. Typically elegant and poised, which is what you’d expect from Coonawarra, but there is a deceptive structural integrity here that gives it purpose and definition to carry through to a sustained long finish. It will continue to improve with further cellaring."

92/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review, May 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"This is intended as a modern take on a classic traditional variety that is “fun, flavoursome, stylish and uninhibited”. Good depth and brightness of purple-red hue; there are distinctive cabernet crushed leaf, cassis and raspberry aromas with a decidedly cool-climate accent. The palate is bright and primary with fresh, albeit straightforward fruit that begs for more time to build complexity. An elegant, medium-bodied cabernet with a hi-fi varietal signature."

90/100 QWineReviews.com, March 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"You could call this a Baby Menzies, considering the fruit comes off the same vineyard. There is not much wrong with this Sanctum Cabernet. Tense to begin, red and dark berry fruit go about their work with an abundance of canned plums stealing the limelight. Some blackberry jube sweetness raises its hand along with roasted capsicum, black olives and dried Mediterranean herbs. Dark chocolate and soft spices hug the persistent finish. All up, it is an easy go-to Cabernet with respectable shape and flow. Tick! "