Unveiling The Caley: A Blend of History and Excellence
Yalumba The Caley is the result of an unwavering commitment to the classic blend of Cabernet Shiraz. For more than a century, Cabernet Shiraz has been a focus at Yalumba and The Caley the finest example, a “Super Claret” of another era.
Dedicated to Fred Caley Smith, grandson of Yalumba founder Samuel Smith, The Caley rightfully honours one of Yalumba’s most adventurous sons. A blend of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and Barossa Shiraz, The Caley is a classic marriage of two noble varieties and two great Australian wine regions.
The blend brings together the linear elegance, firm tannins and persistent structure of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon with the voluptuous, textural richness of Barossa Shiraz. This is a wine made for longevity, and while its richness will be enjoyed in its youth, its elegance and structure will live on for decades in the cellar. The Caley is a wine of quality, character and personality, the pinnacle of our 175 year winemaking journey of excellence. 
For the 2019 Vintage, Fred Caley Smith finds himself in Nice, France in March 1894. After the cultural experience of Spain, Fred Caley Smith boarded a ship once again to head to the South of France. The brief visit received a glowing review; “You really must come and see the Riviera and the towns along it, Mentone, Cannes, Ville Franche, Bordighera, Monte Carlo. I never once imagined that there was such a place anywhere.”
While his time with family at Christmas had renewed his energy for adventure, Fred still missed the goings on at Yalumba. “I was so glad to get the Yalumba Budget with news of the old spot. I suppose that by the time I get home Ada & Walter at least will be staid married folks I of course am very glad the grape season promises well, by the time this reaches you, you will be in the middle of vintage.”
The 2019 vintage is a blend of 75% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Barossa Shiraz, aged in French oak barriques, with 24% being new, and the rest being one year or older, crafted by the Yalumba Cooperage. Following bottling on November 18, 2020, it underwent maturation in our marble cellars for an additional 43 months before being released in June 2024.
But, when can I get my hands on it?
The 2019 vintage will be available online and in-store at Sense of Taste on Saturday, June 1st. Don't miss out on this highly anticipated release. Limited stock will be available! Stay up to date by following us on socials! We can't wait to share Yalumba The Caley 2019 with you.