Yalumba Hand-Picked Mourvedre Grenache Shiraz 2002

cherries, licorice, complex yet silky

September 2007

I tasted this recently with my wine group. It's sweetly spiced, with flavors of raspberry and small, dark berries, all in a mellow blend. If you like the Chateauneuf-de-pape blends, but want bigger flavor, drink this. The Spanish petit basque sheep's cheese went the best with this wine. For a main dish food pairing, this wine will go best with red meat, any style.

June 2008

A blockbuster in addition to realistically priced effort is the 2002 Mourvedre/Grenache/Shiraz (60%, 25%, and 15% respectively). Aged 10 months in large French hogsheads, its opaque blue/purple color is followed by a sumptuous nose of blueberries, blackberries, coffee, Asian spice, and chocolate. It possesses great depth as well as ripeness, low acidity, and a plump, fleshy finish. Sadly, there are only 400 six-packs for the United States. It should drink well for 10-12 years. -Wine Advocate The Barossa Valley has a long history as one of Australia's premium wine regions for growingMourvedre, read more...Grenache and Shiraz. These Southern France varietals offer a provenance of synergywith each component making a contribution to the complexity of the wine. Mourvedre, more commonly known in Australia asMataro, is the dominant variety in this Hand Picked blend. It provides sturdy and robust characters, balanced by the perfume of Grenache and the spice of Shiraz. Firm yet silky, with power and length on the palate, a complex wine with supreme elegance. To maximise fruit flavor, the three varieties - 60% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache and 15% Shiraz - were fermented as separate parcels in open top stainless steel fermenters using the Yalumba designed cap plunger. Natural or wild yeasts, present on the grape skins, completed sugar fermentation building a wine withgreater complexity and character. Deep plum in colour, the Yalumba Hand Picked Mourvedre Grenache Shiraz 2002 offers aromas of cherries, licorice and violets, with hints of ripe fruit. The concentrated palate is firm,Cellaring A wine to enjoy now yet silky with good structure and plenty of well-defined tannins, or to cellar offering power and length.    (hide)

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate

No written review

January 2008

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine