As Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, Yalumba has a rich history spanning 175 years. In 2024, the winery celebrated this milestone by launching the first annual Museum Release, a special collection of older bottles that showcased the winery’s expertise in aging fine wines.
The Success of the First Release
The initial Museum Release was an instant success, with all global allocations selling quickly. This vindicated Jessica Hill-Smith’s decision to build the program when she returned to the family company in 2019, after years working in the UK and Sydney.
- She noted that restaurateurs were eager to list older vintages of elite Australian red wines, but were not prepared to invest in the cost of cellaring these wines on their own premises.
- The solution, as she saw it, was for Yalumba to do the work on their behalf, utilizing the museum cellar beneath its winery at Angaston in the Barossa Valley.
- The company identified wines from superior vintages that would be ideal for long-term cellaring and reserved significant qualities for later release.
The Second Museum Release: A New Era
This year’s Museum Release includes 2010 and 2015 vintages of The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon from Yalumba’s Coonawarra Vineyard; The Signature blend of Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz; and The Octavius old-vine Shiraz from the Barossa.
- 2013 and 2015 vintages of The Caley, a blend of elite Coonawarra Cabernet and Barossa Shiraz parcels, are also part of the lineup.
- The 2015 vintage, in particular, is showing exceptional quality, with Louisa Rose noting that it demonstrates the pedigree of great ancient vineyards and the skill in getting the fruit off the vines at exactly the right time.
A Commitment to History and Tradition
Yalumba’s passion for history and tradition is evident in its efforts to preserve and care for ancient vines. The family’s key Barossa Shiraz vineyards include Clifton Estate, planted in 1854 and Shorts Vineyard planted in 1900.
| Vineyard | Year Planted | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Clifton Estate | 1854 | 170 years |
| Shorts Vineyard | 1900 | 123 years |
| Tri-Centenary Vineyard | 1889 | 134 years |
A New Era Under the Guidance of a Departing Winemaker
The Museum Release project has been tempered by the departure of senior red winemaker Kevin Glastonbury, who will be leaving his role on 27 June. His departure leaves a gap in the specific knowledge of crafting these elite red blends and getting the best out of Yalumba’s ancient vineyards.
“I can reflect on the development of these red wine styles over the years with great pride, and examining them in their maturity through the Museum Releases really shows off the merits of those winemaking decisions.”
— Kevin Glastonbury, Senior Red Winemaker
Passing the Baton
With Glastonbury’s departure, Yalumba must now find a new winemaker to take over the responsibility of crafting these elite red blends. The company will need to pass the baton to someone who can replicate Glastonbury’s success and continue the tradition of excellence that Yalumba is known for.
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Yalumba is a true pioneer in the Australian wine industry, and its Museum Release program is a testament to its commitment to excellence and tradition. With its rich history and passion for history and tradition, Yalumba is a must-visit destination for wine lovers around the world.
Yalumba’s Latest Releases
Yalumba continues to produce some of the finest wines in Australia, and its Museum Release program is a shining example of the company’s dedication to quality and tradition.