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26 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2015 { australia } When asked if she misses winemaking, Jane Ferrari of Yalumba breaks out her trade- mark grin and laughs. "This industry isn't just about making wine," she clarifies, "It's about being able to open it for the right audience." A winemaker by training and trade, Ferrari flipped the switch in 1988 when she stepped into a role that encom - passes education and public relations, as Winemaker/Communications for Yalumba, Australia's oldest family-owned winery, founded in 1849. Widely known for her exuber- ance and passion, Ferrari circles the globe educating, promoting and speaking about Yalumba's fine wine portfolio, and in turn brings a well-needed dose of Australian wine history to those who tend to categorize Aussie wine as "sim - ply New World." As she champions the wines of Yalumba—currently under the humble care of Robert Hill-Smith, fifth-generation Proprietor and Chairman of the winery, with wines made by Senior Winemaker Kevin Glastonbury—Ferrari con - siders herself the "custodian of an amazing stor y of an extraordinary family." A family that represents the cumulative efforts of 166 years in the grape growing and winemaking business, and has sur - vived "five booms and four busts." Fer rari is clearly honored and humbled to be a part of Yalumba history, a fact that is not lost on the establishment who named her as the "Signatory" of the 2010 vintage of The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend. Since its inception in 1962, this iconic blend has only been made in the most exceptional vintages, and each vintage features an individual who has enhanced the traditions and culture of Yalumba. Be sure to check out our feature on Proprietor and Chairman Robert Hill-Smith and his role as the Signatory for the 2012 vintage in the forthcoming August/September issue of The SOMM Journal. Yalumba 2005 FDR1A Museum Release ($55) 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Shiraz Racy black fruits and crushed fennel seed, perfumed with a touch of coco - nut oil. Purple flowers, sandalwood and spices round out a refined palate and ends with bright, long acidity. Yalumba 2011 FDR1A ($40) 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Shiraz Fresh and light on its feet, this wine leads off with plush red fruit, kumquat peel and toasted tannins. Cocoa nibs and line drive acidity linger on the finish. Yalumba 2012 The Scribbler ($20) 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz Red rose petals and hibiscus jump out of the glass on this wine, followed by a savory, dusty palate nuanced with dark aromatics and deep concentrated tannins. Yalumba 2010 The Signature ($55) 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Shiraz Menthol, black pepper and rose petals dominate the nose on this vintage. Honest and direct, with plush red fruit, high tone acidity and fine, dusty tannins. Jane Ferrari is the signatory of this wine. Yalumba 2012 The Signature ($55) 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Shiraz Big purple fruit, black pepper, roses and lilacs, this wine is a perfect example of Cabernet and Shiraz in tandem. Dense and tightly woven with layer after layer of lushness. Robert Hill-Smith is the signatory of this wine. Yalumba 2006 The Reserve ($110) 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Shiraz This wine has a dark and intense nose with hints of soy, cut oregano, thyme and forest blackberries. The palate is full, rich and concentrated velvety fine tannins. —K. M. Not Simply New World RETHINKING AUSTRALIAN CABERNET AND SHIRAZ WITH JANE FERRARI OF YALUMBA by Karen Moneymaker Jane Ferrari of Yalumba. Among the family's prized vineyards is this old-vine Grenache planted 1898 in the Barossa Valley. Ferrari considers the Barossa Valley a "soul mate region" for Rhône varieties. PHOTO COURTESY OF YALUMBA PHOTO COURTESY OF YALUMBA