Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon

There’s no place in Australia that produces quality Cabernet quite like the Coonawarra. Famous for its red cigar-shaped strip of terra rossa (that’s Italian for ‘red soil’) and stretching from north to south, this important stretch of land is among the most valuable patches of soil in the Aussie wine world!

In amongst the ‘Cigar’ is The Menzies vineyard. Established in 1975 it’s Yalumba’s pride and joy when it comes to producing first class Cabernet.

This is Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 vintage and we’ve got one word to describe it – smokin!

Here’s what a couple of the top critics across the ditch had to say…

94/100 & Special Value Award (Sam Kim)
“Complex and inviting, the bouquet shows blackcurrant, tobacco, game, fennel, and cedar characters, followed by a weighty palate that’s succulent and supple. Splendidly structured by layers of fine tannins, making it sturdy and persistent with delectable flavours.”

5 Stars, 94/100 (Candice Chow)
“Deep inky ruby-red with a dark purple hue, even colour throughout. The nose is rich and elegant, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, red berry, cedar, nutmeg, clove and mint. Full-bodied, with aromas of blackcurrant, red plum and red berry that are youthful and fresh, enriched by cedar, nutmeg and clove, and a touch of mint that lingers to a lengthy, refined finish. Fine-grained tannin binds the fragrant fruit and spice notes, providing an elevated structure. This classic Cabernet Sauvignon shows its varietal character with poise and a refined tannin structure. Match with sirloin steak and short ribs over the next 10 years. Fermented to 14% alc, aged 18 months in oak.”

Aged for 18 months in 18% expensive new French oak. A deep, dark purple tint in the glass this is a seriously good, full bodied Cabernet with structure and style! It’s a beauty!

Drink now or chuck it in the cellar and watch it evolve – this should be good to cellar up to 15 years from vintage.