2022 Kaesler WOMS' Shiraz Cabernet

95 POINTS

Ken Gargett - Winepilot

This the Kaesler interpretation of the great Aussie red blend, Shiraz and Cabernet, both from the Barossa Valley. Here, the Shiraz is dominant. The wine spends around a year and a half in French oak, a significant percentage of it new (60%). The Shiraz was planted in 1961, while the Cabernet is younger, planted in 1985. The name refers to the wine being a “Weapon of Mass Seduction”, which is such a better name than the first time I saw a bottle and misread it as ‘Worms’. After the stunning 2021 vintage, this wine had a hard act to follow, but 2022 was another stellar year. Under cork, just 6,199 bottles were made. An inky dark maroon, the nose is chock full of the most gorgeous aromatics. We have aromas of chocolate, mocha, crushed herbs, cassis, bay leaves, licorice and beef stock, with a hint of vegemite. Bold and ripe, this is beautifully structured with a creamy texture, silky tannins and wonderful length. This is a superb example of what can be achieved with this blend and it should remain delicious drinking for at least the next ten to fifteen years.

95 POINTS

Dave Brookes - Halliday Wine Companion

The 2022 WOMS release sees a blend of 59/41% shiraz/cabernet sauvignon in the classic Aussie red style. It smells terrific, with its canvas of pure dark and red fruits, dreamy French oak, spice, roasting meats, earth and dark chocolatey tones. Ditto on the palate, with its graceful line, fine tannin architecture and sense of grace as it slowly fades from view. Weapon of Mass Seduction indeed. A great release for this wine.

94 POINTS

Ray Jordan - Winepilot

It’s a 59/41 split of 1961 planted Shiraz and 1985 planted Cabernet. The colour is bright garnet and purple, exuding brightness and vibrancy. Aromas of distinctly blue fruit with a red cherry lift. More medium weight than the ’21 vintage, displaying a bright elegance and refreshing purity. Fine chalky tannins and lightly applied oak sit comfortably with the bright fruit characters.

94 POINTS

Kasia Sobiesiak - The Wine Front

Weapon of Mass Seduction. Indeed. It does feel like this blend is built for wide appeal and instant gratification. Nothing wrong with that. Tickling the senses, blackberry tart with vanilla custard and a dusting of sweet spice, ripe and vibrant core of fruit, a mix of blackberry and black currant. Notes of dates and caramel whiffs mingle with a strawberry type of finish, loads of black chocolate tannins, and ground coffee mouth perfume. Needs a bit of time, perhaps, but it’ll seduce you as is right now too.