Kaesler WOMS Shiraz Cabernet 2022

This the Kaesler interpretation of the great Aussie red blend, Shiraz and Cabernet, both from the Barossa Valley. Here, the Shiraz is dominant. The wine spends around a year and a half in French oak, a significant percentage of it new (60%). The Shiraz was planted in 1961, while the Cabernet is younger, planted in 1985. The name refers to the wine being a “Weapon of Mass Seduction”, which is such a better name than the first time I saw a bottle and misread it as ‘Worms’. After the stunning 2021 vintage, this wine had a hard act to follow, but 2022 was another stellar year. Under cork, just 6,199 bottles were made. An inky dark maroon, the nose is chock full of the most gorgeous aromatics. We have aromas of chocolate, mocha, crushed herbs, cassis, bay leaves, licorice and beef stock, with a hint of vegemite. Bold and ripe, this is beautifully structured with a creamy texture, silky tannins and wonderful length. This is a superb example of what can be achieved with this blend and it should remain delicious drinking for at least the next ten to fifteen years.