Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Is The Cigar going to be a new Coonawarra benchmark which in time challenges Wynns Black Label – only time will tell. It’s made from newish platings on the famous Menzies Estate Vineyard which were planted between 2009 and 2014. There is also 10% Malbec thrown in at the moment to add some mid-palate flesh and richness, which does not hurt at all for young vine cabernet. It’s well-made and beautifully pitched with perfumed red and black currant fruits, some plummy/inky fleshy notes helping to fill it out with attractive leafy/cedary complexity adding additional depth. There is then a harmonious mix of fruit and structure on the palate which provides not only excellent drinking now but also over the medium term.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher