A change from the 2018 with a move to screwcap and a low shouldered bottle. From a single-site and made from Centurion vines that were planted in 1919 in Light Pass on the Valley floor in the shadow of the Lutheran Church and grown biodynamically. Matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (24% new from Tonnellerie Sylvain’s 350 year old oaks). Vegan friendly. Winemaker is Kevin Glastonbury.

Yalumba, The Steeple, Shiraz, Barossa Valley, 2019

Christmas Cake and baking spices over blueberries, violets, peppercorns, bluestone, cherries, old libraries (dusty, leathery, papery), hints of licorice, cocoa powder and easy cedar.  Seamless and flowing. The dark herbed edge fruit bursting with life and energy. Some high tones with a little bit of spirit but an ethereal amount of layers. The tannins are hyper fine and near powder-puff light. A modern classic.

RRP: $80
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 94/100

Wine sample courtesy of Yalumba