Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Shiraz Malbec 2017

Blass’s most famous wine, ever since the trio of Jimmy Watson wins way back in the early 70s, and it never misses a beat. A blend of joy in every way and a blend of the three varieties – 51% Cabernet, 44% Shiraz and 5% Malbec – and also of three regions – the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. It has seen 17 months in a mix of 34% new French oak, 58% older French oak and 8% American.

This sits very comfortably in the pantheon of top releases of Black Label. Black fruits, spices, cloves, black olives, cassis, chocolate and it is well structured with serious length. Abundant tannins, yet again they are almost invisible. There is complexity too, and although it is delightfully approachable at this early stage, expect it to age magnificently for many years. A great choice to put away for your unborn grandchild’s 21^st!