I’m pretty sure everybody knows this wine. It’s been around seemingly forever. I think even Noah picked up a 6 pack to put away for a rainy day.
All jokes aside, this has been one of the most consistent wines, in Australia, since it was first produced in 1954. It has a pretty big following both in the retail and auction markets.
I’ve been collecting the Black Label for a few years now and have tended to take it for granted, that when I open one of these wines from any vintage, it will be good. This one literally stopped me in my tracks.
When I poured it, well, it was a mouth watering black fruit aroma barrage. I realise that doesn’t sound particularly inviting but on the palate all that black fruit excitement has been brought under control by some savouriness and delicate oak inclusion (not intrusion). There was a bit of sweetness to it also but not a fruit sweetness. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was.
The tannins are there on the finish but you don’t really notice them because everything is so integrated and balanced already. I can only imagine what it would’ve been like had I decanted it.
I recently opened an ’07 (under screwcap) and it was still as fresh as a daisy and if that is any indication, this one has a a few years left in it yet.
I have seen this wine discounted so if you see it below $30, fill your trolley.
Region: Coonawarra Price: $45 Source: Wine Show mixed dozen purchase
Words from a Wine Glass 