Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz (Museum Release) 2014

97 POINTS

Andrew Caillard MW

Very well-balanced wine with lovely density, richness and volume. At a very good stage of development but should continue to mature evenly for years to come.

96 POINTS

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

Sourced from 25-plus vineyards, the latest offering of this iconic label shows blackberry, spiced plum, cake spice, cigar and cedar characters on the nose, leading to a concentrated and richly expressed palate that is both powerful and refined. It is abundantly fruited and opulently textured, so approachable, yet firmly structured by loads of fine, chalky tannins, finishing impressively long and formidable. NZ Distributor: Negociants NZ.

96 POINTS

James Halliday - Halliday's Wine Companion

Matured for 20 months in French, Hungarian and American oak. This ticks all the boxes, a rock of ages in the storm of Yalumba reds coming onto the market, led by The Cayley, but numerous others seeking your company. The blackcurrant and blackberry fruit are in total harmony, and the overall texture is of a high order thanks to the oak management, as well as that of the tannins. A standout from a vintage that had its challenges.

95 POINTS

Sarah Ahmed - Decanter

This Barossa classic – the 56th release - honours loyalty and contribution. In a tricky vintage, it discharges its duty admirably. The 57% Cabernet stamps its authority, from the minty, inky, floral nose to the dried-herb-edged dark currant and berry palate. Juicier notes of blood plum come through, with finely textured, mille feuille tannins which make for a poised, persistent finish. This spent 21 months in French, Hungarian and American barriques and hogsheads, 32% new. Polished and steadfast.

95 POINTS

Jeremy Oliver

More elegant, deftly oaked and restrained, this long and fine-grained cabernet shiraz marries spicy notes of small red, black and blue berries with fresh cedary oak. Underpinned by loose-knit supple tannins, it’s opulent, smooth and explosively fruited, but becomes more shapely and gentle down the palate. Very much the future for the Barossa.

93 POINTS

Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Bright garnet. Cherry, cassis, pipe tobacco, cedary oak and a hint of vanilla on the highly perfumed nose, along with a smoky, spicy overtone. Fleshy red and dark fruit liqueur flavors are supported by a spine of juicy acidity and become spicier with aeration. Finishes sweet and very persistent, with harmonious tannins and lingering cherry and vanilla qualities.

92 POINTS

Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate

Somehow Yalumba's 2014 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz slipped through the cracks on release, so I'm reviewing it now for the benefit of readers who may have already purchased it—or for those lucky enough to find it still in the market. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Shiraz, it shows classic Cabernet structure in its streamlined shape on the palate. Hints of cedar and vanilla accent cassis and cherry flavors, picking up hints of tobacco and perhaps a bit of mint along the way to a long, focused finish.

92 POINTS

Christina Pickard - Wine Enthusiast

Yalumba's classic Barossa red blend is a complex, restrained drop right off the bat, leading with subtle notes of olives, Middle Eastern spices, dried leaves and ground pepper all wrapped around a quiet line of plum and berry fruit. There's a silky mouthfeel bound by gentle, savory tannins with spice and plum nuances right to the finish. A fine, balanced wine set to stand the test of time. Drink 2020–2029.