2004 Yalumba The Signature Cabernet-Shiraz

Wine Spectator
"92 pts ... Smooth, round and especially graceful, with the ripe blackberry, tar and licorice flavors settling gently into a supple frame. The finish lets it all linger like the glow of a red sunset. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Drink now through 2016. " -- 10/08

Wine Advocate
"94 pts ... The 2004 The Signature is composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Shiraz. It was aged for 22 months in French, Hungarian, and American oak, 50% new. Opaque purple-colored, it presents a perfume of pain grille, earth, tar, vanilla, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. Opulent on the palate, it has gobs of ripe fruit, complexity, superb balance, and exceptional length. It will improve over the next 8-10 years in the cellar and drink well through 2030." --10/07

Stephen Tanzer
"90 pts ... Inky violet. Powerful cherry vanilla, candied plum and blackberry jam aromas verge on liqueur-like. The sweet dark fruit flavors offer serious depth and slow-mounting grip, with firm tannins providing necessary support. This turns spicier on the finish, with the rich berry and plum flavors repeating. A real mouthful, and sure to please fans of rich, full-throttle reds. " --09/08

Winemaker's Notes
"Lifted redcurrant, warm exotic fruits and dark chocolate combine with subtle eucalypt flavours. The wine has a generous yet stylish palate, showing dark plums, cassis, chocolate and long fine tannins giving a wine structured for ageing. The wine will reward with medium to long term cellaring."

Technical Notes
" Matured for 22 months, 24% new American oak hogsheads, 14% new Hungarian oak hogsheads, 10% new French oak hogsheads & barriques; 15% 1 year old hogsheads - American (13%) & French (2%); 37% 2 year old American & French hogsheads. Optimum drinking 8-12 years from vintage. Acid 6.8 g/L; p.H. 3.48 14.5% alc."