Yalumba Barossa Shiraz 2017
Full-bodied red wine · Yalumba Family Winemakers
Vintage: 2017
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Yalumba Family Winemakers
Country
Australia
Vintage
2017
Region & Appellation
South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Grape Varieties
100% Shiraz (Syrah)
Color & Appearance
Deep opaque crimson core with a bright purple rim, exhibiting moderate viscosity and slow-moving legs that signal a wine of concentration and structure.
Aroma Profile
A powerful and expressive nose led by intense aromas of ripe blackberries, black plums, and dark cherries, beautifully layered with secondary notes of cracked black pepper, star anise, licorice, and subtle undertones of French and American oak-derived vanilla and mocha.
Tasting Notes
A generous and richly flavored wine that opens with an assertive palate of dark berry fruit and warming spice, evolving into a complex mid-palate rich with chocolate, earth, and savory nuances, leading to a long, velvety, and satisfyingly sustained finish.
Flavor Profile
Dominated by rich blackberry, dark plum, and blueberry fruit, supported by savory nuances of black olive tapenade, sweet tobacco, crushed peppercorns, and hints of mocha and toasted cedar.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a plush, velvety mouthfeel, dense concentration, and a smooth, enveloping texture that balances richness with structural framing.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity providing freshness and lift to counter the rich fruit profile, accompanied by ripe, fine-grained, and approachable tannins that offer a firm yet velvety structure.
Sweetness Level
Dry, with negligible residual sugar, though perceived sweetness is heightened by the opulent ripe fruit expression.
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV, typical of warm-climate Barossa Shiraz, delivering warmth and weight without feeling overly hot or disjointed.
Aging & Oak
Matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels for several months to integrate complex oak characteristics while preserving vibrant primary fruit.
Food Pairings
Ideal pairings include grilled ribeye steak, slow-roasted leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic, venison stew, or hearty wild mushroom risotto, which complement the wine's robust body and savory spiced fruit profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C in a large Bordeaux-style red wine glass. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes prior to serving to open up the aromatics. Enjoyable now or over the next few years.
Price Range
20 to 30 USD, representing excellent value for a premium Barossa Valley Shiraz.
Quality Assessment
Estimated at 90-92 points, positioning it as a premium, highly reliable everyday icon from a historic family-owned estate known for consistent quality.
Production Methods
Fermented using indigenous or wild yeasts in open-top fermenters with regular plunging, followed by gentle basket pressing and aging in seasoned and new oak.
Terroir
Sourced from ancient, weathered alluvial soils and red-brown earth of the Barossa Valley floor and foothills, characterized by a warm Mediterranean climate with cooling afternoon gully breezes.
History & Heritage
Founded in 1849 by British immigrant Samuel Smith, Yalumba is Australia's oldest family-owned winery, renowned for its championing of old vines and independent winemaking spirit.
Interesting Facts
Yalumba is one of the few wineries in the world to operate its own on-site cooperage, hand-crafting its own oak barrels for precise oak management.
Cellaring Potential
Drinking exceptionally well now through 2027, with the structure to hold up to a decade under ideal cellar conditions, gradually developing more earthy and tertiary leather notes.
Similar Wines
Penfolds Max's Shiraz, Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz, and d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz.