The first release of this label from Yalumba. The naming comes from the Menzies Vineyard being in the Inner Sanctum of the Terra Rossa strip. The iconography on the label represents the lauded red dirt that Coonawarra is so famous for. Winemaker Nat Cleghorn says it’s her first attempt at a “lunch” wine. I need to have more lunches with Nat.

Yalumba, Sanctum,Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, 2017

Deep garnet: opaque core and a bright rim. Blueberries and blackberries, coffee essence, sugo and a touch of cooling green moss (not in a bad way). Energetic, understated and elegant. Medium-full bodied. The tannins are fine, yet give plenty of integral support to effortless blue/black fruits. A clean and long finish. Simply delicious.

RRP: $26
Alc: 13%
Rating: 18.75/20

Wine sample courtesy of Yalumba