Not made every year, the 2002 The Reserve is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Shiraz. Very deep garnet colored, it presents aromas of leather, tobacco, dried plum, cigar boxes, sandalwood and a touch of bacon. Evolving gracefully on the palate, the structure is holding strong with enlivening acid and medium-firm fine grained tannins, finishing long with notes of espresso, black tea and cinnamon stick. Mature now, it should drink well for another 8-10 years. 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