Wynns likes to promote Black Label as “Australia’s benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon,” but it could also be called Australia’s greatest comfort wine. Year in, year out, it arrives in the glass and the drinker’s high expectations are always met – that’s so comforting. Even in relatively challenging cool, wet years like 2023 there is no denying the Black Label stamp: a deep concentration of ripe black fruit and spices in sync with some pretty smart oak. The ’23 vintage does bring a finer expression of Cabernet, less obvious mint and eucalypt than usual and more gentle florals and light herbals. Blackberry, cassis, black cherry, violet, briar, anise, dried leaf, crushed herbs – fresh and lively – work in harmony with French oak (30% new) to present a fully integrated youngster. Firm, fine tannins, as always, offer a seamless undercurrent, driving the wine long. As for drinking windows? Why not start tonight.

It's hard to fault this ever-reliable Black Label. Yes, there are those who say Coonawarra Cabernet is old school, but take a sip from this cup of reality and you'll soon realise how impressive it can be. All power to the Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon.
First produced in 1954, this 2023 sees 15 months in new (31%) and seasoned oak. Silky, elegant and shapely, it's a wine of detail, width and breadth. Very Cabernet, it's drive, presence and persistence build an unavoidable attractiveness. A riot of interest, think blackberries, blackcurrants, barbecued peppers, sage, thyme, pink peppercorns and licorice. It moves and flows with nimble feet carressing every crevice of the mouth. A fine mintiness slides in but those dark berry fruits hold court. A sheer delight, drink now or hold - you choose. Either way, you're the winner.