1996 WYNN’S BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON – A DEAD SET AUSSIE LEGEND

While many wines claim to be Australian legends, there are relatively few that warrant the mantle.  One that most certainly does is Wynn’s Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon.  For several decades, vintage after vintage, Black Label has proved itself as an extraordinarily reliable source of high quality, authentic and ageworthy Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon sold at an extremely fair price.

Australian wine (outside of Australia) is often criticised for not being food friendly; it’s too sweet, too fruity or too alcoholic. Wynn’s Black Label Cabernet is one wine that can and will challenge preconceptions.  With bottle age, it is as dry and savoury as any fine red Bordeaux, a wine whose pleasures are heightened when accompanied by appropriate food, preferably rare lamb or beef.

A recent tasting from the exceptional 1996 vintage shows just how well this wine ages in bottle.  15 years on from vintage it was still a near impenetrable crimson in colour and just starting to reveal its potential.  It should hold up for at least another decade.

When on offer, Wynn’s Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon one of Australia’s greatest wine values.  In better vintages, lovers of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon should most definitely ‘fill their boots’. However, just be sure to lock them away somewhere safe for at least a decade.

1996 BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Producer: Wynn’s
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 1996
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13%
Closure: Cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 2 October 2011

Tasting Note:
Deep crimson – almost inky in colour. Classic, archetypal Coonawarra nose; slightly earthy, touch of mint, liquorice and mushroom. Very dry and savoury palate – needs food! Medium bodied, elegant, blackcurrant, slightly earthy. Finishes long with slightly drying powdery tannins. Should keep for a few years more. Great food wine.
Score: 17+/20