Wolf Blass Platinum Label Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018

The pick of the newly released Wolf Blass Luxury Collection, Platinum Label also happens to be the wine with the highest price tag. This wine simply sings the strongest of the group, has a more immediate and compelling presence with a fineness in detail.

Fruit was sourced from the Medlands Vineyard at Dorrien just a bit down the road from the Wolf Blass winery and visitors centre. The single vineyard produces a striking magenta-purple colour. Foliage, briar, earth meet the nose together with black berries.

It’s on the ripe side – 14.5% ABV – and so the usual Barossa sweet berried fruits are a notable feature.  In keeping with the general move in Australian winemaking circles towards a degree of savouriness in reds, Platinum brings forth a ferrous/iron quality.

Love the overall balance on display here together with the decision to employ only French oak  – 28% of it new – during its 17 months maturation. It brings effortless structure and length.