Yalumba, Barossa Valley (South Australia) Shiraz 2012

Yalumba has never quite attained the renown in the USA for its venerable history and broad range of outstanding wines as a company like Penfolds, but the fact is that it really plays in that league.  At lower price levels, the “Y Series” Viognier is almost certainly the best varietal wine of its type anywhere near its price of $12.  Moving up to this wine, one enjoyed a commensurate boost in density and complexity.  This is packed with ripe berry fruit interlaced with earthy nuances and braced by spicy oak.  Already complete and convincing, this will get better still during the next few years.