Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Yalumba has always produced Coonawarra reds that tend towards the herbal/dusty end of the spectrum. But in 2005, an excellent Coonawarra vintage, they have changed tack opting for a more classical cassis, fruit-dominant style, which is, in my book, a real move for the better. In fact, this is an absolute belter made in a dense and compact style that immediately impresses with its layers of power-packed aromas that are lifted by some cedary/dusty complexity. In the mouth the fruit is generous, almost explosive, yet retains a measured character. All of this sits on marked chewy tannins that mingle beautifully with the fruit, which suggest that the wine will drink well for 15 years or more. You, quite simply, won't find much better value Coonawarra than this in 2009.