Product Description
- Producer & Range: Wolf Blass Yellow Label – a well-established red wine range from South Australia.
- Variety: 100% Shiraz (in the Shiraz variant) sourced from selected premium South Australian vineyards.
- Vintage Examples: 2022 (14% ABV)/ 2021 & earlier.
- Appearance: Deep crimson colour with purple hues.
- Nose (Aroma): Aromatic red and blue fruits (think berries) with subtle cedar spice notes.
- Palate (Taste):
- Medium-bodied wine (though some vintages closer to 14% ABV) with generous berry fruit character.
- Subtle creamy oak support, finishing with fine, velvety tannins.
- Style & Character: A balanced, approachable Australian Shiraz—fruit-driven but structured enough for food pairing.
- Food Pairing Suggestions: Pairs nicely with grilled or roasted red meats (beef, lamb), hearty dishes, also some chewy cheeses.
- Best Enjoyed: In its youth or with short-term cellaring; designed for relatively early enjoyment rather than very long ageing.
Why It’s a Good Choice
- Offers a recognisable brand with consistent style and fairly broad availability.
- The flavour profile (berry fruit + spice + oak/tannin balance) makes it versatile for many red-wine drinkers.
- Good value in the red wine category for everyday meals or relaxed occasions.
Considerations / Buying Tips
- Storage & transport: As with any wine, especially in warmer climates like Nigeria, ensure the bottle has been stored in cool, stable conditions and avoid excessive heat, which can degrade quality.
- Vintage matters: While the overall style remains consistent, different vintages (2017 vs 2022, for example) may vary in strength (13.5% vs 14%) and subtle flavour nuances.
- Serving temperature: Serve slightly cool (around 16-18°C) for the best balance; too warm may make the alcohol feel hot.
- Food compatibility: While it pairs well with meats, if you’re serving spicy or heavily sauced dishes, you might want something with a little more structure or higher tannin.
- Ageing: This is more of a ready-to-drink wine rather than one built for decades of cellaring. If you pick up an older bottle stored poorly, it may have passed its prime.