2017 Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra

An icon in Australian wine, Yalumba’s Coonawarra-born Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon has long stood at the pointy end of our country’s fine-wine pyramid, and I’m sure many will fondly remember occasions when a well-cellared example of the Menzies has knocked their socks off. Nothing’s changed, perhaps the oak has been dialled back a little, but that classic, herbal-flecked blackberry and blackcurrant fruit at its core is all elegance and latent power. Fine spice and graphite-like tannins lay down layers on the palate. The finish is long and with impeccable balance, trailing off with a vapour trail of blackcurrant, cedar and olive tapenade. DB 14.5% alc.