Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2017, Barossa, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, Australia

A richly flavoured, generous and sophisticated McLaren Vale Shiraz, which is perhaps the definitive expression of this classic regional and varietal pairing, carrying the distinctive Wolf Blass hallmarks of power and elegance.

Grey Label Shiraz was sourced from vineyards ranging in altitudes from about 50m near the coast to 200m where McLaren Vale merges with the Adelaide Hills. The region mostly spans two basins of ancient bedrock layered with sediments laid down by advances and retreats of the sea over the past 45 million years. Soil types vary from sands, yellow clays, and red and black loams through to ironstone.

Harvested at optimum flavour ripeness, fruit was crushed and fermented in small open-top fermenters. Plunging and gentle pumping over were utilised to optimise flavour, colour and tannin extraction, allowing for richness and fruit depth while keeping tannins plush. Some parcels completed fermentation in barrel, integrating oak characters and contributing to mid-palate texture and complexity, while others were left on skins until dry to lengthen the finish.

Grape Varietal: Shiraz
ABV: 14.5%
Vol: 750ml