With an eye on the market and a commitment to innovation, the new range of Wolf Blass “Gold Label” wines are set for an August release.

Led by Chief Winemaker, Chris Hatcher, the Wolf Blass winemaking team has created a full range of wines based on the winemaking principles and high standard of the much-celebrated Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling.

“The success of Gold Label Riesling inspired our team to create a whole range of wines which showcase their abilities as winemakers and fulfil a demonstrated need to consumers,” Chris said.

Recent wins at the 2003 Royal Brisbane Wine Show are testimony to Wolf Blass’ continued commitment to winemaking excellence. The 2002 Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling claimed a trophy and a gold medal for its class, while the 2002 Wolf Blass Gold Label Adelaide Hills Shiraz Viognier –due for release in October 2003-also claimed a gold medal.

The Gold Label wines represent the best examples of regionality and the best examples of the varieties for which these regions are known and recognised. Innovation and regionality are the foundation of these wines, which should gain them a place in the hearts and minds of consumers looking for a premium “Gold” wine experience.

The Wolf Blass winemaking team have championed the use of Stelvin closures for this range, as they believe this type of closure offers the highest possible “seal of quality”. The complete range of Wolf Blass Gold Label will be bottled under Stelvin, except for the Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay and Botrytis Gewürztraminer, which will use traditional cork. The Gold Label range will also be available in six-bottle packs for the convenience of trade and consumers.

The Wolf Blass Gold Label range consists of the following wines:

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL 2000 Vintage Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay is a complex blend of fine fruit and bready characters balanced with yeast lees development. The palate is elegant and creamy with intense strawberry pinot characters typical of quality Pinot Noir. Visually fine with a pristine straw colour and even bead, this wine is perfect to accompany aperitifs or lighter foods.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL Riesling 2002 (Clare and Eden Valleys) has already established itself as a leader in its variety and class. A steely backbone from Eden Valley fruit is combined with floral perfume from the Clare. An excellent match for grilled garfish with lemon and pepper.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL Chardonnay 2002 (Adelaide Hills) releases rich aromas of grapefruit and nectarine. The palate is rich and full and yet elegant, with varietal Chardonnay flavours and a complex, creamy texture and finish. Still two years from its peak and a fine accompaniment to char-grilled tuna steak.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL Pinot Noir 2002 (Adelaide Hills) is vibrant in colour and contains intense fruit aromas of cherries, raspberries and plums against a background of gaminess and spice. The palate is rich and supple with integrated oak and a velvet texture. This wine is an ideal accompaniment to roast duck and bok choy.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2000 (Adelaide Hills) is a medium bodied blend which encompasses fragrant spice, blackberries and liquorice, integrated oak, fine tannins and a silky texture. This wine will benefit from 3 to 5 years cellaring.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL Shiraz 2000 (Barossa) is a strong example of this varietal with aromas of liquorice, spice and sweet berry, leading into a palate jammed with blackberry fruit and well-integrated smoky oak. This wine would be a great partner to a meal of lamb shanks.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL Botrytis Gewürztraminer 2003 (Clare Valley) is a sweet, late harvest wine with aromas of rose petal and spice and a palate of sweet ripe fruit. Perfect with mandarin and almond cake.

Besides the launch range, the Wolf Blass winemaking team intend to capitalise on other winemaking opportunities.

“A pragmatic approach to creating these wines will see other varieties released in coming vintages. For example, we will be releasing a Gold Label Shiraz Viognier and a Coonawarra-based Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon later this year,” Chris said.

“We have been thrilled to create the Gold Label range and believe it is a great innovation for Wolf Blass – we hope consumers enjoy drinking them as much as we have making them.”

The Riesling, Vintage Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Botrytis Gewürztraminer will be available through retailers between $22-24, while selected varieties will be specifically created as on-premise specialities. This latter initiative will include the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir at this point in time.