Yalumba aren’t short of wines in their collection (and that’s just the ones that they have as Yalumba, let alone the great HSFV stable), so here we see a new label release which celebrates Wyndham Hill-Smith’s “last stand” while playing for the Australian XI (with Sir Don Bradman in the side) in a 1932 tour cricket match against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club. The label textured and tactile to represent the stitching on a cricket ball.
Winemaker is Marc van Halderen. Wild ferment. 12 months maturation in French, American and Hungarian oak. Vegan friendly.

Yalumba, Wyndy’s Last Stand, Shiraz, Barossa, 2018

Barossa writ large with archetype mocha, plum, deep raspberry, light liqourice and vanilla oak influence. Maybe even a bit of old cricket kit bag. Manages to retain a good amount of grip and focus through the medium-full body. The plum and dark berry themes continue through the palate with anise spice and finish of vanilla cola while some urgent acidity tries to keep things moving at 90mph. A touch of bitter chary oak and heat just clip the finish. Solid.

RRP: $23
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 16.75/20 (87/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Yalumba