Australia

Reviewed by

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Issue Date

23rd Aug 2003

Source

148, The Wine Advocate

The virtually perfect, limited production (1,000 cases) cuvee of 2002 Shiraz Integrity is a 100% Shiraz fashioned from four specific vineyard blocks (surprisingly young vines of 4-6 years in age). It boasts terrific minerality, structure, definition, and prodigious levels of concentration as well as perfume. An inky/black color is followed by aromas of melted road tar, licorice, Asian spices, sweet creme de cassis as well as blackberries, and a hint of acacia flowers. There is compelling density, great purity, and tremendous viscosity, yet it is not over the top. There is real definition/delineation to this large-scaled Shiraz. It was aged in 100% new American oak for 13 months. A tour de force in winemaking, it stood out as one of the most singular and greatest wines I tasted for this report. Anticipated maturity: now-2012. Two of South Australia’s leading viticulturists/winemakers are undoubtedly husband and wife Sarah and Sparky Marquis. Their goals are common sense ones of “creating fruit weight, velvety sensations, and harvesting on ripeness, not sugar readings.” Perhaps their finest accomplishment has been to prove that high quality wines can be produced at a price point that thrills most wine consumers. P.S. Perhaps another way to think of these wines is that they are XXX-rated stuff. They’re not exactly wines for those wanting finesse, lightness, restraint, or intellectual challenge. These are totally decadent homages to joy and yumminess. Or, as a friend of mine said, they are “fragrantly delicious.”  

Rating

96+

Release Price

$300

Drink Date

2006 - 2026

Reviewed by

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Issue Date

26th Dec 2006

Source

168, The Wine Advocate

A wine of extraordinary intensity, richness, and extract (yields were .5 tons of fruit per acre), the 2004 Shiraz Duck Muck is a totally dry red that tips the scales at 17.5% alcohol. While it pushes the limits of civilized drinking, it is neither pruny nor hot, and should be tasted with an open mind and no hidden agenda (not as easy as one might expect, especially for Eurocentric palates). Inky/purple to the rim with a glorious perfume of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blueberries, blackberries, creosote, and vanilla, it was aged in 100% new, heavily toasted French and American barrels for two years prior to bottling. It is nearly off the charts in terms of richness and extract. Although not for everybody, for those who are not reactionary in their tastes, it is an amazing wine that will be fascinating to follow over the next two decades.   

Rating

95+

Release Price

NA

Drink Date

2014 - 2019

Reviewed by

 Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Issue Date

28th Aug 2014

Source

214, The Wine Advocate

Flaunting a gorgeous nose of ripe apricots, warm pineapples and green mango, with touches of cashew pieces, cedar, beeswax and toast, the medium-bodied 2012 Chardonnay delivers outstanding concentration of stone fruit and nutty/toasty flavor layers on the palate along with a racy line of acidity and a long finish that has a lovely, spicy character. Drink it now to 2019+.  

Rating

96

Release Price

$350

Drink Date

2021 - 2035

Reviewed by

 Joe Czerwinski

Issue Date

14th May 2020

Source

May 2020 Week 2, The Wine Advocate

A blend of 82% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Barossa Shiraz, Yalumba's 2014 The Caley leans heavily toward Cabernet on the nose, boasting scents of mint, cassis and cocoa. In the mouth, the Shiraz helps round out the full-bodied palate and lends a velvety edge to the considerable tannins. This third vintage of Yalumba's new flagship is the most approachable yet, finishing with plush richness, great concentration and admirable length.

“Regal. A great Caley”. 98 points, Nick Stock for James Suckling.

“A stonking cabernet shiraz with great potential - but also marvellous to drink now.” 97 points, Huan Hooke for the real review.

“The beautifully seductive aromatics of the Coonawarra cabernet are evident immediately. That is just the start to a compelling mix of minerally, leafy, cool mint. The palate delivers with that shiraz core providing depth and power to fill out the cabernet.” 98 Points, Ray Jordan.

“This is an impressive wine and an expensive one, clear of purpose, clarity, power, intensity and detail. A benchmark cabernet and shiraz meld.” 96 Points, Ned Goodwin for Halliday Wine Companion.