The Signature

It is with great pleasure we release our 54th iteration of Yalumba The
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz – a superb 2012 vintage that
honours fifth generation vigneron Robert Hill-Smith. We raise a glass of
this wine to celebrate RHS’ 30 years of service as Yalumba’s Managing
Director, and toast the future as he makes the move to Chairman of the
Yalumba board.
Winemaking & Viticulture
With an almost perfect growing season in 2012, the Barossa region
has again produced some excellent aromatic and structured parcels
of Cabernet Sauvignon, just perfect for The Signature. All parcels
of fruit were fermented separately in either eight-tonne open
fermenters or six-tonne static potter fermenters using wild yeasts.
These ferments have helped contribute individual complexities to
the wine, creating richness and fine textures.
Terroir & Site
Sourced from select vineyards scattered throughout the Barossa and
Eden valleys, this blend is a tribute to the expertise and dedication of our
loyal collection of growers. To capture the distinct lifted aromatics and
structure for which this wine is known we sourced much of the Cabernet
Sauvignon from the Miles vineyard high in Eden Valley, with the Barossa
fruit coming from blocks in Williamstown, Gomersal, Light Pass and
the Krondorf foothills. The unassuming Schiller vineyard on the Barossa
Valley floor provided much of the Shiraz. Sourced from vines planted
between 1935 and 1969, the fruit gives sweetness, fullness, depth and
adds many layers of complexity to this outstanding wine.
TastingComments
Almost blood red, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz in motion,
changing and shifting from red scents of currants and cranberries
to the black fruits of plum compote and black cherries, before a
touch of cedar, leafy herbs and powdery black spices freshen the
finish. The wine has a coolness that belies its power. The expression
is as restrained as it is muscular. Richly layered, the fruit completes
the structure. Underneath there’s an umami earthiness, like scents
of camping in the woods. Impeccably balanced. Savour with a
rosemary pepper beef rib roast with porcini jus.