WOLF BLASS WHITE LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON

REGIONAL SOURCE : Adelaide Hills

GRAPE VARIETY : Cabernet Sauvignon

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Winter rainfall in the Adelaide Hills was close to the
long-term average resulting in full soil moisture
profiles prior to budburst. Spring temperatures
fluctuated between warmer than average and very
cool, starting to warm up towards November, which,
combined with small crops, contributed to early
ripening. Summer temperatures were ideal - mild
and even with frequent cold nights - producing
Cabernet Sauvignon with intense flavours and good
natural acidity.

VITICULTURE

Sourced from the Adelaide Hills region, from
vineyards in Mount Pleasant in the north-east, Lower
Hermitage in the north-west and Woodside in the
centre. Covering a diverse geological range, with
various fault lines exposing an assortment of
different soil types, the source vineyards are
predominantly composed of sandy loams and clays
combined with shale and ironstone, with notably
shallow stony soils on the higher ground. With
vineyard elevations between 320 and 450 metres,
summers are generally warm and dry, yet are
considerably cooler than lower lying areas. With an
essentially continental climate, substantial swings in
day to night temperatures result in significantly
cooler nights. The higher-altitude climate is
moderated by occasional fog and cloud cover,
which, combined with long bursts of gentle
sunshine and cooling breezes, allows for long, slow
ripening and full flavour development while
retaining high natural acidity and low pH. The
resulting wine is a true reflection of the region’s
terroir – elegant and complex with a purity of fruit
and intense, refined flavours.

WINEMAKING

Harvested at optimum maturity and flavour ripeness,
fruit from individual vineyards was crushed
separately and fermented in small open-top
fermenters. A mix of plunging and gentle pumping
over was used to optimise flavour, colour and tannin
extraction, giving the wine rich concentration and
depth of fruit while retaining plush, supple tannins.
The wines were left on skins until dry to lengthen
tannins and enhance palate line and finish.

MATURATION

After gentle pressing, individual vineyard batches
were matured in a combination of seasoned (73%)
and new (27%) French oak barrels for 18 months to
enhance texture and complexity. The wines were
carefully assessed and blended just prior to bottling.

WINE ANALYSIS : Alc/vol: 14.0% - pH: 3.47 - Acidity: 7.7 g/L

PEAK DRINKING : Will develop with age, softening and mellowing to
reward a decade or more of careful cellaring.

COLOUR : Deep crimson with purple hues

NOSE : Pure, varietal Cabernet Sauvignon is unmistakable
on the nose, with aromas of blackcurrant, black
cherry, violets and a distinct leafiness, with hints of
tobacco, black olive and mocha adding complex
savoury notes.

PALATE : The palate is luxurious and concentrated, reflecting
the Adelaide Hills terroir with its elegance and purity
of fruit. Enlivened by fine acidity, and defined by long
structural Cabernet tannins, this is a perfectly
balanced wine with a delicious, lingering finish.