Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Shiraz 2018

VINEYARD REGION Barossa Valley | Langhorne Creek | McLaren Vale

VINTAGE CONDITIONS The growing season began with above average rainfall that filled soil profiles, however spring and summer were dry, with temperatures slightly above average. Early lignification and flavour development allowed for picking at optimum flavour ripeness, without excessive sugar. Harvest was relatively early, with reds showing excellent varietal expression, plush palates and fine tannin structure

GRAPE VARIETY 56% Cabernet Sauvignon | 44% Shiraz

MATURATION 118 months’ maturation in 72% seasoned and 20% new French oak, and 8% American oak has enhanced structure and complexity

WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 14.5% Acidity: 6.8 g/L pH: 3.58

PEAK DRINKING 2021 to 2043. This wine will mellow and develop with age to reward many years of careful cellaring

FOOD MATCH Great with roast rib of beef with horseradish and Yorkshire puddings, or aged Cheddar cheese with fig and walnut sourdough.

COLOUR Rich, deep purple

NOSE A lifted nose of blackberry, blackcurrant and dark plum is layered with bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and hints of tobacco. Toasted nut characters derived from barrel fermentation and maturation. add attractive complexity.

PALATE The palate is generous and beautifully balanced, with dark berry fruit and
savoury secondary flavours of coffee and cedary oak. At once rich and elegant, with a persistence of flavour, seamless texture and long, smooth, chocolatey tannins typical of the characteristic Black Label style that overrides regional and varietal influences.

Winemaker: Steven Frost