By James Atkinson
Wolf Blass must continue to evolve its wines, but you will never see the iconic label add new SKUs for purely commercial reasons, says chief winemaker Chris Hatcher.
Hatcher was speaking at a preview last week of the 2013 Wolf Blass Luxury Collection, which will be released to the trade in early October.
He said Wolf Blass will release a Malbec in the Gold Label range next year, which is a natural fit for the brand because Malbec is not new to Australia.
"It's a very traditional variety in Australia, it's been here since the mid 1800s, it makes more classical red wine, and it suits us," he said.
"Wolf's actual very first wine that he made was a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Malbec back in 1966, so we've got real history with it."
"Sangiovese would not suit Wolf Blass." [continued below]
Hatcher said label founder Wolf Blass's very first wine was a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Malbec released in 1966, "so we've got real history with it".
The winemaker likened his responsibilities to those of popular car brands that have evolved over time.
"A modern Ferrari is a very different car to one that was made in the 60s because technology's evolved and knowledge of they build them has evolved, but they've kept that core styling," Hatcher said.
"What I'd rather see is us… get better at what we do – that's the challenge moreso than finding something new and quirky."
The Wolf Blass 2013 Luxury Release includes:
Wolf Blass Platinum Label Barossa Shiraz 2006 – RRP $179.99
Wolf Blass Black Label Barossa McLaren Vale Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec 2009 – RRP $129.99
Wolf Blass Black Label Barossa McLaren Vale Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec 2006 – RRP $129.99
Wolf Blass Grey Label McLaren Vale Shiraz 2011 – RRP $44.99
Wolf Blass White Label Clare Valley Riesling 2012 – RRP $33.99
Wolf Blass White Label Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2012 – RRP $33.99