Wolf Blass Makers’ Project Shiraz Grenache 2019

Big company winemakers are always experimenting with their craft, but rarely do drinkers get to see the results. With the new Wolf Blass Makers’ Project wines, consumers are up front and centre in tasting and appraising their work. Presumably, if one or all of the projects receive the tick of approval, the wines will become permanent features.

Each wine label reveals the project’s  aim. With the 2019 Shiraz Grenache the maker is chasing a “smooth finish.” The choice of winemaking method – to press the grape skins early before the end of fermentation.

Did it succeed?

Ripe fruit (14%) helps here with style and texture. Sourcing the grapes would have played a role but interestingly, there is no region noted. 

Combining shiraz and grenache works well, too, with the former bringing solid fruit weight to the wine, and the latter some gorgeous, lifted aromatics. There is generosity here in the lashings of black, blue berries, high spice and pepper with a touch of earthy savouriness.  To answer the burning question, yes, the maker does indeed complete a smooth finish. Job well done.