Yalumba The Scribbler Barossa Cabernet Shiraz 2013

Yalumba The Scribbler Barossa Cabernet Shiraz 2013

Yalumba are the kings of full-bodied Cab Shiraz, and this entry-level red blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Shiraz offers up much of the DNA of the more expensive Yalumba reds.

Poper old school Aussie red wine nose here. It smells of American oak casks and earth and brick dust. Aromas are not of fruit, but wine. You can see that with the meaty sausage and baked earth notes, the style savoury, with fruit popping through in spurts. Finishes with rough and hearty tannins as well. It’s only medium weight, but the length is solid, and the appeal obvious.

As ever, plenty of wine for the dollars, even if it’s rustic and unpolished. Best drinking: 2017-2025. 17/20, 90/100. 13.5%, $22. Would I buy it? I’d go half a bottle.