Yalumba 1996 The Reserve Sept 05

 

The bouquet exhibited a touch of VA and was initially dominated by trademark Missouri oak which provided a fair amount of coconut character. Briary brambly perfumed berries, coco and a touch of char was also evident. On the palate, the wine showed excellent power and persistence for its muscular-weight. The tannins are resolving well but still have a way to go and it will benefit from another couple of years in the cellar. Plate flavours included black fruit (but not black berry,) strong menthol – almost like Vick Vaporub and the complexity is Excellent, as is the rating. It was much more enjoyable with food than it was by itself.