Yalumba Samuel's Collection Grenache 2020

Region and Vineyards

This Grenache is sourced from a series of bush vine vineyards in the Barossa Valley, some of which date back as far as 1929. These gnarled old vines, planted between 1929 and 1972, yield limited quantities of small, intensely flavored berries, resulting in wines with high flavor concentration and complexity. The vineyards are set in varied soils across the Barossa, from sandy loam to red-brown earth over red clay, each imparting distinct characteristics to the wine. This range of terroirs gives the Grenache layers of flavor and texture, balancing richness with Barossa’s signature freshness.

The 2020 vintage was marked by a cool winter with lower-than-average rainfall, which slightly delayed flowering. Following warmer, windy weather in November, the conditions reduced berry size and crop yield. A warm December and January, complemented by a refreshing 31mm of rain in late January, led to grapes with an excellent balance of flavor and acidity.

Winemaking

The Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Bush Vine Grenache 2020 was harvested from March 2 to March 12, 2020. The wine was matured for 6 months in older French puncheons, as well as French, Hungarian, and American hogsheads. This approach maintains the wine’s pure fruit expression while adding subtle structure and complexity without overwhelming the vibrant fruit character typical of Grenache.

The careful choice of older oak allows the Grenache to retain its juicy, red fruit flavors, enhanced by a refined texture and balanced finish. Winemaker Kevin Glastonbury focuses on capturing the essence of each vineyard site, creating a Grenache that is both approachable and sophisticated.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium red with bright hues.
• Aroma: Inviting aromas of raspberries, pomegranates, and a touch of violet, with underlying cedar and a hint of savory complexity.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a finely textured palate, showcasing juicy red fruit flavors. The wine has a velvety finish with balanced acidity and a lingering, elegant aftertaste.

Did You Know?

The Samuel’s Collection series honors Samuel Smith, the founder of Yalumba, and his pioneering spirit in the Barossa Valley. This wine is crafted from bush vines—low-trained, gnarled vines that produce lower yields but highly concentrated fruit, a tradition that contributes to Barossa’s reputation for quality Grenache.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Peking duck: The wine’s acidity and red fruit flavors balance the rich, savory taste of duck.
• Mushroom risotto: Complements the earthy, savory complexity of the wine.
• Roasted eggplant with tomato and pine nuts: Matches the wine’s vibrant fruit and adds a savory layer to the pairing.

History of Yalumba

The story of Yalumba began when Samuel Smith, a brewer from Dorset, England, emigrated to Australia with his family in 1847. After settling in Angaston, South Australia, Smith planted his first vineyard two years later, naming it “Yalumba”, which means “all the land around” in the language of the indigenous Peramangk people. Over the years, Yalumba evolved from a small vineyard to a prominent winery, with each generation contributing to its growth and prestige.

Under the leadership of Robert Hill-Smith, a fifth-generation family member, Yalumba modernized its winemaking practices, expanded its global reach, and committed to sustainability and innovation. Robert emphasized the production of dry red wines with a focus on Cabernet Shiraz, a style deeply rooted in Yalumba’s heritage since the late 1800s. The Yalumba team also prioritized nurturing their vine Nursery, established in 1975 to select quality grafted vines, contributing to the winery’s exceptional fruit quality and diversity.

Region and Vineyards

Yalumba’s vineyards are located in Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, and Coonawarra—renowned regions in South Australia. These sites offer diverse terroirs, from the fertile red and ochre soils of the Barossa to the terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, ideal for growing robust Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Yalumba’s Coonawarra vineyards, such as the Menzies Vineyard, provide structure and depth to their Cabernet, while the Eden Valley is well-suited for aromatic whites, including Riesling and Viognier. This diversity allows Yalumba to produce a range of wines that capture the essence of their distinct terroirs.

Yalumba practices sustainable viticulture, embodied in their Vitis Programme, which minimizes pesticide use and focuses on environmental stewardship. The winery’s on-site cooperage allows them to control oak quality, aging their wines in custom barrels made from French, Hungarian, and American oak, enhancing the character and balance of each wine.

Wine Range of Yalumba

Yalumba offers a diverse portfolio, from premium varietals to iconic blends:

• The Caley: A flagship Cabernet Shiraz blend symbolizing the heritage of Barossa and Coonawarra.
• The Signature: An age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz honoring significant figures in Yalumba’s history.
• Samuel’s Collection: A range highlighting the Barossa’s classic varietals like Grenache, Shiraz, and Riesling.
• Y Series: An accessible line emphasizing fresh, fruit-forward expressions of varietals like Viognier, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
• Rare & Fine Collection: Featuring exclusive, small-batch wines including Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra and Virgilius Viognier.

Did You Know?

Yalumba is one of the few wineries worldwide with an in-house cooperage, where they handcraft barrels to age their wines. This rare expertise allows them to control the quality of oak, ensuring each wine’s character aligns with their precise vision.