Wynns The Original Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

One of Australia’s most iconic wines, it is surely represented in almost all serious cellars throughout the country. Deservedly so, as it has wonderful ageing potential. It is also one of the truly great value wines available today. This latest release is no different. A cracking wine. First made from the 1954 vintage, maturation is in a mix of French oak hogsheads, barriques and vats, with 31% of the barrels new. A dark cherry/maroon hue, the wine offers a range of aromas with violets, blackberries, aniseed, dried herbs, chocolate and plums. Tightly knit and finely balanced, there are abundant but sleek tannins, bright acidity and serious length. Excellent focus, this is a superb Cabernet with at least ten to fifteen years ahead of it – experience suggests considerably longer if you wish. In a decade or two, you will look like a genius if you have a case or two of this in the cellar. And if I may digress again, last time I promise, their food recommendation being butter salmon with a creamy sauce. Why? What on earth did the wine do to the marketing department to deserve that? The salmon would surely have been a far better choice with the new Messenger Chardy. Whatever you decide to match it with, this is a wonderful Coonawarra Cabernet.