Yalumba The Signature 2016

Region and Vineyards

The Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) and Shiraz (47%) grapes for The Signature 2016 are sourced from select vineyard sites in the Barossa Valley, a region renowned for its ideal conditions for these varietals. The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from four diverse Barossa vineyards, lending the wine its lifted aromatics and refined palate structure. For the Shiraz component, vines planted as early as 1925 are included, providing a layered complexity. The soils in these vineyards vary from sandy loam to yellow sand and ochre clay over red clay, imparting both concentration and finesse to the Shiraz, with a full-bodied depth that balances the Cabernet Sauvignon’s aromatic precision.

The 2016 growing season began with a moderate winter followed by a warm, dry spring and summer. A welcome 25mm rainfall at the end of January refreshed the vines, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. This vintage saw warm days and cool nights, creating ideal conditions for flavor concentration and length.

Winemaking

The Yalumba The Signature 2016 is aged for 21 months in a combination of new and seasoned oak barrels. Specifically, 28% of the wine matures in new French barriques, as well as Hungarian and American hogsheads, with the remainder in older French, Hungarian, and American oak. This varied oak regimen imparts subtle oak notes, enhancing the wine’s structure without overwhelming its vibrant fruit character.

The wine’s extended barrel aging allows for seamless integration of tannins, resulting in a wine that balances intensity with elegance. Its layered complexity, derived from both the oak treatment and the blending of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, provides a wine that is enjoyable upon release but will continue to develop for over 15 years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Very deep, dense red.
• Aroma: Intense aromas of red currants, perfumed cedar, and savory dried herbs, with notes of exotic floral, cranberry, and dark chocolate.
• Palate: Full-bodied with a precise, flowing tannin profile. The palate is rich, with flavors of red and black berries, savory herbs, and a lingering finish marked by refined tannins and balanced acidity. It reflects both the generosity and elegance of the 2016 vintage.

Did You Know?

Each vintage of Yalumba The Signature honors a key individual in Yalumba’s history, underscoring the winery’s dedication to heritage and craftsmanship. The 2016 release celebrates Louisa Rose, recognized for her pioneering work with white varietals and contribution to Yalumba’s identity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef tenderloin with blackberry sauce: Complements the wine’s rich fruit profile and structured tannins.
• Mushroom bourguignon: Matches well with the wine’s earthy, savory complexity.
• Aged cheddar or blue cheese: Enhances the wine’s depth and balances its tannic structure.

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.