Wolf Blass Gold Label Syrah 2012 Wine Review

Wolf Blass Gold Label Syrah 2012

Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 13

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Price: $24.95

Drink: 2013-2019

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine

Winery: Wolf Blass

Agent: Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits

Natalie's Score: 92/100

This liquid satin red wine is mostly Syrah, but there's also 3% Viognier in the blend, as is traditional in the Rhone Valley. The splash of Viognier adds mid-palate depth where cool-climate Syrah can be lean. Winemaker Chris Matcher says that 5% or more Viognier starts to be noticeable with its apricot notes: something you don't want on Syrah. However, 5% is the minimum required by Australian law to put the grape on the label, so therefore you don't see any mention of Viognier. This Syrah offers spicy depth and an incredibly velvety mouth-feel. Pair with a rack of lamb.

This Wolf Blass Gold Label Syrah 2012 was reviewed on January 26, 2017 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2013 2009 2006 2005

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Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
399477
$24.95
Check Stock

SAQ
10829200
Check Stock

AGLC
763111

Reviews and Ratings

Mary Anne van Gaal rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

This deep coloured Syrah has lovely notes of plum and cherry. Flavours of spice, light oak and juicy fruit permeate. This would be great paired with a margarita pizza.

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

One of my favourite wines in recent memory. 97% Syrah with a splash of Viognier. This wine features gorgeous black briars, herbs, spices, flowers, and even a light whiff of stonefruit (undoubtedly from the white). This is serious stuff. 93 Points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Beautiful rich colour to this Syrah which contains 3% Viognier. Aromas of cassis, leather, black pepper, allspice, black cherry and a hint of ripe stone fruit.
Juicy and full bodied, the ripe fruit and spice are most prominent on the palate but with a softness that comes through to balance the spice, tannin, acid and fruit - this wine hasa lot of flavour that works well together. Thoroughly enjoyed on its own, but great with a steak or game sausages.

Donna Hargrove rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

A delicious spicy bold red, this syrah comes from the cool climate of Australia's Adelaide Hills. Peppery on the palate, flavours of blackberry and a hint of mint add to the delicious body of this wine. Nicely paired with a medium rare tenderloin or lamb stew. Tasted March 3, 2015

Jon Steeves - Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Tasted the 2012 vintage Syrah in Jan 2017. A Syrah with a touch of Viognier, showing silky tannins, medium plus body, well integrated fruit, tannins and alcohol. Declared at 14.5% ABV. Notes of red berry, baking spice, black pepper. What stands out in this wine is the elegance, alongside the palate of integrating aromatics, tastes and texture. I enjoyed tasting this Syrah and would pair it with a roasted rack of lamb with mint jelly and roasted root vegetables. Rated 90/100. Bespoketastings.ca

Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A blend of 97% Syrah, and 3% Viognier, this is a full bodied, meaty wine that's loaded with flavour and character. Black fruit, plum, pepper, and dark chocolate make this a lovely wine to enjoy with braised dishes or tangy BBQ fare. Tasted March 2015. 90 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Nick Onischuk - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

The Wolf Blass Gold Label Syrah 2012 is a delicious wine! Nice aromas and flavours of cassis, dark cherry, plum, pepper and dark chocolate. Enjoy this wine with your favourite steak! Tasted March 3, 2015 (90/100)

Sean O'Regan - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

March 3, 2015: Why Syrah and not Shiraz? Same grape, but the use of Syrah better reflects the style in which this wine is made. Cooler climate Adelaide Hills, and 3% Viognier results in a fresher, lighter style. Deep ruby, with blackberry, spice, black pepper and some floral notes. The palate is rich, and concentrated with blackberry, pepper, spice and some herb/mint peeking through. Medium full body, fine tannins and a long finish. Nicely done 90+

Monique Sosa - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

What an exciting wine! Yummy seamless layers of cooked black berry fruit, black plums, baking spices, vanilla, dark chocolate and leather. Balanced acidity, young grippy tannins, and a luscious cassis and dark chocolate finish. A nice pair with roast game meats.

Douglas McMillan rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Bold blackberry and jammy cherry with old leather, black and white pepper, chocolate as well as slight aromas of vanilla and violet. The taste is spicy black cherry, enough acidity the balance the round, bold fruit and fine tannins, There's a long, spicy black cherry finish. A wine for roasted red meats, stews or just for sipping.

Melanie Aubert rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

A hit at any party, the Wolf Blass Gold Label strives for elegance and excellence. This syrah shows rich berry aromas which also translate to the palate. The subtle oak is revealed in hints of smoke, and there are also notes of violets and mint on the finish. Quite enjoyable.

Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

An opaque dark ruby red Syrah with a touch of Viognier to add depth to the palate. The nose shows dark red fruit, prunes and baking spice. I found it a bit harsh. The palate shows prunes, dark raisins and ripe plums, with vanilla -a Christmas cake palate. Full-bodied mouthfeel and a spicy dark fruit finish.

Dan Carkner reviewed this wine as follows:

Sneaking in under the wire of having to list it on the label, this wine features 3% viognier and represents good value in a Rhone-style syrah.
A perfumed bouquet of dark, dried fruit, violet, high-cocoa chocolate, mulled cherry, baking spice (cinnamon especially), old leather and anise leaps from the glass. The dark berries are present on the palate but in a more stewed, spiced version. Anise is present here as well with black pepper providing some zing. The anise theme continues through the finish along with black pepper and some acidity left over from the berries.
Nice balance is found here with the body, acidity, and tannins all falling in the medium range.
Rich, savoury game meat stews would complement the wine nicely should they feature some baking spices and roasted fennel

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Wolf Blass Gold Label Syrah 2012 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Pricing & Stock Information