Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon

Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia, bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by Wolf Blass, this wine draws fruit from some of the country's most respected growing regions — Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Clare — and earned a Silver Medal at the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine Competition for its 2009 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: South Australia  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Wolf Blass

Production & Heritage

Wolf Blass, one of Australia's most recognized wine producers, crafts Black Opal by sourcing and blending fruit from multiple vineyard sites across South Australia's premium zones. This multi-region approach — pulling from Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Clare — allows the winemaking team to achieve a consistent house style vintage after vintage. The wine is matured using a combination of American and French oak, which contributes subtle structural complexity without overwhelming the varietal character of the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich blackcurrant and fig aromas, followed by lifted cherry notes. Peppery, leafy, and lightly savoury elements add depth, with hints of mint and subtle bell pepper rounding out the bouquet.

Taste: Entry is soft and round, with ripe cassis and blueberry resin flavors arriving on a supple mid-palate. Minty, leafy, and peppery tones add a savoury dimension as the wine develops. Chalky, chewy tannins provide flesh and structure, while oak influence remains restrained and supportive.

Finish: Medium in length with persistent fruit and a gently drying tannic grip. Lingering blackcurrant and spice notes slowly fade, leaving a clean, even close.

How to Drink Black Opal Cabernet

This is a straightforward, fruit-forward Cabernet that drinks well at a slight chill — around 16–18°C (60–65°F) — without decanting. It works equally well poured alongside a weeknight dinner or mixed into red wine cocktails. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) suits this wine's approachable profile and ripe fruit. A New York Sour benefits from the wine's dark berry backbone floated over whiskey sour. A classic Sangria takes advantage of the mint and cassis notes when combined with citrus and seasonal fruit.

Best For

• Everyday dinner pairing when you want reliable Cabernet Sauvignon character
• Introducing someone new to Australian red wine without a steep investment
• Stocking a house wine for casual gatherings and barbecues
• Exploring South Australia's multi-region blending style at an accessible price point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Black Opal Cabernet taste like? Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon features ripe blackcurrant, blueberry, and mint flavors supported by peppery, leafy complexity and chalky tannins. Oak aging adds subtle spice without dominating the fruit-forward palate.

How does Black Opal Cabernet compare to Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are value-tier Australian Cabernet Sauvignons, but Black Opal sources fruit from named premium regions including Coonawarra and Barossa and uses both French and American oak maturation. Yellow Tail tends toward a sweeter, simpler fruit profile, while Black Opal leans into more savoury, structured territory with noticeable tannin grip.

Is Black Opal Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — its soft, round mouthfeel and approachable fruit make it a solid starting point for anyone exploring Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are present but not aggressive, which keeps the wine friendly without sacrificing varietal character.

Where is Black Opal Cabernet made? Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Wolf Blass in South Australia, blending fruit sourced from vineyard sites in the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Clare regions.

What foods pair well with Black Opal Cabernet? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's peppery, herbal notes. Beef burgers or meatloaf match its ripe fruit and medium tannins. Hard aged cheddar echoes the wine's savoury side. Mushroom risotto pairs well with the earthy, leafy undertones. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage mirrors the blackcurrant intensity.

What sizes does Black Opal Cabernet come in? Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Black Opal Cabernet worth the price? Black Opal positions as an entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon that over-delivers on regional complexity, pulling fruit from four of South Australia's best-known growing areas and incorporating dual-oak maturation — details more commonly found at higher price tiers.

Why Black Opal Cabernet?

The real differentiator here is the multi-region blending strategy. Rather than relying on a single vineyard or zone, Wolf Blass selects parcels from Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Clare to build a wine with a predetermined flavor profile, ensuring consistency across vintages. That access to diverse premium fruit — cool-climate Coonawarra Cabernet alongside warmer Barossa material — gives this wine a layered complexity unusual at its price tier. A Silver Medal at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition confirms that the approach translates into the glass, making Black Opal a dependable benchmark for everyday Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.