Wolf Blass, Black Label, South Australia, Australia, 2004

Good winter rainfall and a long, warm dry vintage produced this concentrated blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Shiraz and 10% Malbec. A purple hue and narrow pink rim broadcast its youth, as does a compact, well-structured palate with ripe but present tannins and incisive acidity. Though Malbec’s irrepressible violets find voice, a deep seam of black berry, cherry and boysenberry fruit is yet to be mined. Polished but needs time.