With the Shiraz Reserve 1996, Yalumba crafted a wine that impressively embodies the classic style of flagship Australian Shiraz from the 1990s. The fruit hails from the Clare Valley, one of Australia’s most renowned Shiraz regions. The interplay of high-altitude vineyards, calcareous and ironstone-rich soils, and a continental climate with cool nights endows the wines with a remarkable balance of power, freshness, and elegance. The 1996 vintage is regarded as outstanding, yielding wines of exceptional structure and great ageing potential.  

Today, the Shiraz Reserve 1996 presents a multi-layered aromatic profile of ripe blackberries, black cherries, and plums, accompanied by violets, dark chocolate, and mocha. Extended bottle age has unfurled notes of tobacco, leather, cedarwood, and black pepper, complemented by delicate hints of liquorice and sweet spices. The fruit remains remarkably present, intertwining harmoniously with tertiary maturation nuances.

On the palate, the wine reveals a dense yet precise structure. The mature tannins are finely integrated and continue to provide backbone, while vibrant acidity ensures freshness and length. The texture feels supple and concentrated without sacrificing elegance. On the long finish, dark fruit, savoury spice notes, and a fine mineral imprint converge into a harmonious whole that eloquently reflects the character of the Clare Valley.

The signature of Yalumba combines traditional winemaking with a clear focus on origin and longevity. Today, the Shiraz Reserve 1996 rests on an excellent plateau of maturity, impressively demonstrating the evolutionary potential of great Australian Shiraz. Optimally cellared bottles captivate with remarkable complexity and will continue to offer high-level drinking pleasure for many years to come.