Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz 2015

Region and Vineyards

The Cabernet Sauvignon component (74%) is sourced from the Ming D block in Yalumba’s Coonawarra vineyard, a 2.7-hectare plot planted in 1992 with carefully selected clones to enhance structure and depth. Coonawarra’s cool climate and distinctive terra rossa soils contribute to the wine’s refined aromatics and structured tannins, giving it classic Cabernet characteristics. The Shiraz component (26%) is sourced from two distinctive Barossa Valley blocks. The first, the Burgemeister “Linke” block at Light Pass, was planted in 1901, and the second is the Horseshoe Vineyard in Eden Valley, established in 1971 by Helen Hill-Smith. This vineyard follows the contours around the Fred Caley Smith Hut, adding a personal connection to the wine.

The 2015 vintage benefited from mid-winter rains in Coonawarra, followed by a dry, warm spring, resulting in small, concentrated berries with excellent tannin and flavor. Barossa experienced consistent winter rainfall, a warm spring, and a long, mild summer with cool nights, which preserved acidity and enhanced the fruit’s aromatics, resulting in grapes with remarkable concentration.

Winemaking

The Yalumba The Caley 2015 was matured for 21 months in a selection of new and seasoned French oak barriques. About 46% of the wine matured in new French oak, with the remainder in two-year-old or older barriques. This oak regimen enhances the wine’s structure and provides complexity without overwhelming the Cabernet and Shiraz’s distinctive fruit character.

Winemaker Kevin Glastonbury designed this wine for longevity, recommending cellaring for decades to reveal its full character. For those enjoying it younger, double decanting is advised to bring out its complexity and aromatics.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dense red.
• Aroma: Classic Coonawarra Cabernet notes of green olive, fresh herbs, and refined aromatics, complemented by the richness of Shiraz, with red currant and subtle spice.
• Palate: Rich and precise with perfectly balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins. The wine is full-bodied with flavors of red currant, earthy minerality, and a long, structured finish that lingers.

Did You Know?

Each vintage of The Caley honors a significant figure in Yalumba’s history, and the 2015 release is dedicated to Fred Caley Smith, who made lasting contributions to horticulture and the Yalumba legacy. His adventurous spirit is reflected in the craftsmanship and complexity of this wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-roasted lamb with rosemary and thyme: Enhances the wine’s savory notes and balanced tannins.
• Aged Gouda or Gruyère: Complements the wine’s structure and deep fruit flavors.
• Grilled Portobello mushrooms: Matches the wine’s earthiness and spice.

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.