Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Shiraz, the 2008 FDR1A Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz displays a deep garnet-purple color and is very fruit-forward with intense black cherry and warm blackberry aromas plus whiffs of dried Mediterranean herbs and mint. Medium-bodied, crisp and taut on the palate, it gives firm grainy tannins, just enough flesh and a long finish. Drinking now, it should remain fresh to 2016+. Remaining one of Australia’s oldest, largest and most prestigious family owned companies, Yalumba’s top wines should not be overlooked amongst the limelight-hogging young-gun wines that have sprung-up around the Barossa in the last 20 years. Some of the region’s finest vineyards are owned or contracted by this company. They’ve also contributed considerably to the quality of vine material available throughout the region with the impressive developments at the Yalumba nursery. Regarding the current releases, The Signature and Octavius won’t be released in 2007. I was informed that in 2008 all their reds were picked before the first week of March but there were no single site wines made in 2008 because it was felt the fruit wasn’t expressing the sites. 2009 was a good year and everything will be released, though winemaker Louisa Rose confessed that their early maturing Shiraz suffered the most in the 2009 heat spike.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

A lush blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Shiraz, this is full bodied and a bit jammy at this stage, full of primary blueberry and blackberry fruit framed with cedary oak. The potent finish lingers, suggesting the potential to cellar through 2020 if you have the patience to wait for a more complex, integrated wine. If not, just pop and pour for the upfront fruit.——J.C.(11/1/2011)—— 91