1999 YALUMBA 'THE SIGNATURE' - WARM AND CUDDLY

Yalumba’s ‘The Signature’ is one of Australia’s great labels. Produced since the 1960’s, it is an über-traditional blended of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, sourced from the Barossa Valley. As is typical of many of Yalumba's premium red wines, it sees a generous amount of new oak, primarily American. Yet, the quality of the raw material is such that the oak isn’t overly assertive. That said, it helps to be an admirer of rich and oaky warm climate wines if you are to enjoy ‘The Signature’.

1999 was a vintage that, for many, flew under the radar in the Barossa Valley. At the time, it rather sat in the shadows of the much lauded 1998 vintage. While 1998 produced many full throttle wines of great power and intensity, the best 1999’s display greater elegance and harmony. There is indeed, a lot to like about 1999.

This bottle of 1999 Yalumba ‘The Signature’ was the first of a six-pack. Interestingly, the back label suggests drink from release through 2011. However, from this drinker’s perspective, it is wine that is just starting to hit its stride now. The tannins have fully resolved, yielding a wine that is opulent and voluptuous, but not heavy or exaggerated. It reveals layers of creamy dark chocolate married with liqueur cherries, blackberry and plum. This is a wine that is a real crowd pleaser. On the subject of food, it cries out for a hearty braise; Jugged Hare finished with a touch of dark chocolate would be ideal, as would Kangaroo Fillet with a Chocolate Sauce.

1999 THE SIGNATURE 
Producer: Yalumba
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend
Vintage: 1999
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 3 November 2010

Tasting Note:
Deep ruby, fading very slightly at the rim. Rich chocolate driven nose – Valrhona! Nutty oak, vanilla, liqueur cherries covered with dark chocolate, gentle touch of herbaceousness. Becomes more perfumed with air. Full bodied, velvet smooth, svelte – very sexy, luxurious texture that teases the tongue. Dark chocolate, red fruit, pleasant bitterness on the mid-palate. Long finish. Restrained hedonism. A real crowd pleaser!
Score: 18/20