2008 Yalumba “The Scribbler” Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz

Last Friday I had a nice surprise when I walked into my favorite wine shop: Jane Ferrari from Yalumba was in town, talking shop and pouring wine.

Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, based in the Barossa Valley. They’ve been doing the Cabernet blend thing for ages, and The Scribbler is their “youthful embodiment” of their famous Signature line.

It’s still impressive on its own. The wine is a bright ruby red in the glass, and on the nose you get some of that same brightness, with some definite cherry and blackberry elements coupled with a soft, subtle leather note.

The Scribbler is a medium-to-full bodied wine. It’s not quite as big as, say, a California Cab, but it’s still there punching its weight. There is some good tannin structure here, but it takes a back seat to a friendly, approachable fruitiness that is neither too big or too subtle.

In some ways, I wish The Scribbler would make up its mind. It feels “in between” in so many ways. But as an introduction to traditionally-made Australian Cab/Shiraz blends, this wine will more than satisfy.

Verdict: B

P.S. Follow Jane’s travels and travails at Yalumba Stories.