98/100 Winestate Annual Shiraz Tasting 2023
Probably one of the best loved wines in Yalumba’s range, this is classic Barossa Shiraz. Plums and spice; dark chocolate, vanilla, cherry. Generous and soft with enough tannin to give structure. A very enjoyable wine that delivers on many fronts, not least, value.
Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Intensely deep crimson colour, powerful but full of grace and showing fine balance and structure. The wine opens with spicy blackberry notes. With time in the glass the wine reveals hints of cracked black pepper and then toffee, dark chocolate, and espresso coffee. Richly aromatic and velvety, full bodied and packed with plum, blueberry, hazelnuts, clove, and cinnamon spices.
Sourced from Barossa vineyards where the vines range from young (approximately 10 – 15 years old) to old (greater than 35 years). They are planted in a diverse range of sites and have slight variations in micro-climates and soil types, including red brown earths, sandy loams or dark clay soils. These variations contribute to the diversity of flavours in Samuel’s Collection Barossa Shiraz."
5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"This is gorgeously rich and opulent with blackberry, toasted spice, thyme and cedar characters on the nose, followed by a concentrated palate offering terrific fruit intensity backed by fleshy texture and layers of fine tannins. Robust and structured with a lengthy delicious finish. At its best: now to 2035."
92/100 Wine Spectator (2021 Vintage)
"Dense and dark, with hints of black walnut liqueur and date-nut bread in the background as blackberry and blueberry flavours are ripe and juicy at the core. Notes of chai tea, cardamom, white pepper and cedar linger on the finish."
91/100 James Halliday's Wine Companion (2021 Vintage)
"This 2021 Shiraz Barossa is well-made and delivers for the price. It opens with layers of fruit pastille and dark cherry aromas before sliding into more savoury baked earth and old leather. A solid punchy palate delivers more tar and roasted meat flavours, with chewy tannins providing a surprisingly long finish."