Wolf Blass 'Heritage Release' Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Wolf Blass
Heritage Release
South Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
14.0% abv

Showing some age, this has some garnet notes on the rim and is less intense on the core than when I first tasted this particular wine (probably three years ago). The nose, whilst still showing strong blackcurrant notes has savoury spices (cloves, cinnamon) mixed in with earthy and leathery notes. Clearly showing some development. The wine is medium bodied, which is a surprise considering the alcohol, the intensity of aromas and the year (very good for South Australi). This is probably because the tannins are only medium, whereas when this was first tasted they were quite pronounced. The palate is very fruity, far more so than the nose and there is plenty of acid. The flavour profile is quite complex on the palate and this wine is long, with a pleasant finish.

This is a good wine. However, I'm glad I drank it now. The tannins have fallen quite significantly over the last three years and, even though there is plenty of acid and fruit left, there would not be enough tannin in the wine for it to age much further. The tannins were at a pleasant level now and, in fact, I think this wine was probably at its peak now.