Price Drop: Wolf Blass Platinum Label Shiraz 2018 (2pk)

The Platinum Label represents Wolf Blass's premium tier, crafted exclusively from Barossa Valley fruit and aged in new French oak. This wine showcases the pinnacle of their winemaking expertise, with exceptional critic scores including 97 points from James Halliday. The terroir-driven approach and meticulous oak integration create a complexity that distinguishes it from Wolf Blass's more accessible ranges.

This wine is beautifully balanced for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring. While it's drinking superbly now, the full-bodied structure and new French oak integration suggest it will continue developing complexity over the next 10+ years. Barossa Shiraz from exceptional vintages like 2018 often hit their stride around 8-12 years, when the fruit and oak achieve perfect harmony.

The rich plum and cedar characteristics, combined with the wine's full-bodied palate weight, make it ideal for robust dishes. Think slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, aged beef steaks, or game meats where the wine's intensity can complement rather than overpower. The quince notes also pair beautifully with duck or pork dishes featuring fruit-based sauces.

The exceptional ratings reflect the wine's perfect storm of factors - an outstanding 2018 vintage in the Barossa, premium fruit selection, and expert winemaking. The 97-point Halliday score and multiple 96-point ratings indicate exceptional balance, complexity, and ageing potential. Critics particularly praise how the new French oak enhances rather than masks the distinctive Barossa terroir expression.

The Barossa Valley is Australia's most celebrated Shiraz region, with a winemaking heritage dating back to the 1840s. The warm continental climate and diverse soil types create ideal conditions for producing rich, full-bodied Shiraz with distinctive chocolate and spice characteristics. Wolf Blass has been crafting wines here since the 1960s, making them true custodians of this iconic terroir.