2018 Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Overview

The 2018 Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship expression of Wolf Blass' blending philosophy, built from the best parcels of the vintage and crafted for depth, structure and long-lived complexity.

Since 1973, Black Label has focused on creating a powerful, multilayered Australian red blend where the final wine is greater than the sum of its parts. The 2018 vintage combines 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz, delivering richness, polished tannins and classic South Australian intensity.

Vintage & Winemaking

Fruit was harvested at optimum maturity and flavour, then crushed, destemmed and fermented separately for seven to twelve days on skins. Ferments were allowed to warm naturally, with plunging and gentle pump-overs used to maximise colour and flavour extraction.

The wine is produced in limited volume, with fewer than 24,000 bottles made, adding collector appeal to this flagship release.

Product Highlights

• Flagship Wolf Blass Black Label release.
• 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz.
• 95 points from Decanter World Wine Awards.
• Gold medal at Sydney Royal Competitions 2023.
• Silver medals from International Wine Challenge and Royal Queensland Awards.
• Limited production of fewer than 24,000 bottles.
• Drinking window: 2021-2040.

Critic Scores & Reviews

• 95 points - Decanter World Wine Awards.
• James Suckling: "A very rich and complex red with classic Australian red-blend style."
• Gold - Sydney Royal Competitions 2023.
• Silver - International Wine Challenge 2023.
• Silver - Royal Queensland Awards 2023.

Tasting Notes

Expect ripe dark plum, blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant with notes of chocolate, earth, cedar and spice. The palate is bold, rich and polished, showing deep fruit, assertive tannins and the plush, structured character expected from Black Label.

Food Pairing

Pair with charcuterie et fromage, pork BBQ spare ribs, platanos rellenos, beef, venison or Mimolette.

Cellaring Potential

Drinking window: 2021-2040. This is a structured, full-bodied red suitable for drinking now or careful cellaring.

About Wolf Blass

Wolf Blass is one of Australia's most recognised wine producers, known for polished, richly flavoured wines and a long history of award-winning blends. Black Label represents the pinnacle of the range, selected from the best wines of each vintage and blended for depth, harmony and longevity.

Specifications

• Producer: Wolf Blass
• Wine: Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2018
• Region: South Australia
• Country: Australia
• Grape Variety: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Shiraz
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Sweetness: Dry
• Residual Sugar: 0.5 g/L
• Winemaker: Chris Hatcher
• Production: Less than 24,000 bottles
• Bottle Size: 750ml