Wolf Blass Grey Label Langhorne Creek Cabernet Shiraz 2018

Langhorne Creek’s reputation for this classic Australian blend is well established, with Wolf Blass’s Grey and Black Label variations important contributors to the history. This is a 51:49 cabernet/shiraz combo that has spent about 15 months in a range of seasoned and new barrels, approx. 2/3 French and 1/3 American, a key to the Wolf Blass house style at this more elite level. Of course, the result of that is here for all to see, but the intensity of the fruit does a great deal in balancing the impact. Langhorne Creek cabernet is highly regarded in its own right and leads the way here, black fruits with great depth of varietal character, developing savoury layers of olive and mocha. How, with so much going on in its structural department, this wine still has energy and fruit vitality is astounding, its fine finishing tannins teasing out further pleasure. A big bugger and played very well.