Wolf Blass, Black Label, South Australia, Australia, 1992

An unusually cool growing season, with patchy rain at vintage. This 58% Cabernet, 42% Shiraz blend spent 30 months in new American and French oak. The coconut sweetness and oiliness of the former rather dominates the bright cassis and sour plum flavours. With a ‘thick’ texture, the palate is developed with emphatic dried panforte, blackcurrant and blueberry fruit, and notes of leather. This is like an aged Rioja on steroids, although it lacks the balance to age gracefully.