Petaluma Evans Vineyard 2021

Petaluma’s Yellow Label Cabernet Merlot, from the Evans Vineyard, is one of our most iconic Coonawarra reds. Even more exciting when it comes from a thrilling vintage for the region like 2021. The wine spent a year and a half maturing in French oak barriques and hogsheads, 40% of which were new. The blend is 90% Cabernet and 10% Merlot. This is as good a version of Yellow Label as I can recall for many years. An opaque maroon hue, there is still oak evident here, but integration is proceeding well. The nose reveals notes of chocolate, plums, cassis, tobacco leaves, black fruits, leather, coffee beans, cocoa powder, cold tea and blackberries. Complexity is already shining through. There is superb focus and serious length, through to the silkiest of tannins. Really impressive balance throughout, this is stunning stuff and will offer at least two decades of pleasure.