Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot - Red Australian Wine
Decanter 2022 Bronze medal
92 points from James Suckling
Matthew Jukes top 100 wines
Church Block was the first wine the late Greg Trott produced under the Wirra Wirra label back in 1972. He took the name from one of the original vineyards, which runs next to the small Bethany Church (est. 1854) across the road from Wirra Wirra's century old ironstone cellars. Over four decades, the Church Block label has become an Australian favourite, consistently offering a smooth, soft red wine that balances the complexity sought by aficionados, with the approachability desired by those seeking pure drinking pleasure. The selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot is another masterful blend. Matured in 70% French oak and 30% American oak barrels for 18 months, it is rich in fruit to enjoy in its youth, but with the structure to develop for a decade under careful cellaring.
The journey of Wirra Wirra from its prosperous beginnings in the late 1800s, period of total neglect, to its strong global positioning today is that of a storyteller’s dream.
Loveable eccentric and former state cricketer, Robert Strangways Wigley, purchased a mere (at the time) 240 acres of land in McLaren Vale back in 1894, quickly establishing Wirra Wirra as a winery of exceptional quality amongst its already flourishing peers. His passing in 1926 ultimately lead to Wirra Wirra’s closure, and the winery’s beautiful ironstone cellars were left to ruin.
Enter Richard Trott, 1969, and his lofty dream to restore the crumbling walls and dilapidated vineyards to their former glory. And that he did! Today, Wirra Wirra is part of Australia’s most sustainable wine region, McLaren Vale. With organic and biodynamic certified estate vineyards and an unwavering commitment to protecting and developing their environment from vineyard through to winery production, Wirra Wirra cut no corners when producing quality wines in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
The Wirra Wirra portfolio is one of style, substance and diversity. Each wine captures the unique marriage between grape variety and regional expression. The plush, fruit driven reds and pure of character whites epitomise the very best of Australian wine production and have rightly cemented themselves as an Australian favourite around the globe.
Contains Sulphites Egg
Alcohol by volume: 14.5 %
Serving suggestion: Serve between 16 and 17 degrees, try with lamb tagine or vegetarian moussaka, enjoy from release up to 2035
Units of Alcohol: 10.9 units
Region of origin: South Australia
Agent: Gonzalez Byass UK Ltd
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz/Syrah, Merlot, RedGrapeBlend
Producer: Wirra Wirra
Winemaker: Emma Wood
Wine colour: Red
Type of closure: Screwcap
Storage instructions: This wine is ideal for drinking now but can be kept for up to <>
History: Church Block was the first wine the late Greg Trott produced under the Wirra Wirra label back in 1972. He took the name from one of the original vineyards, which runs next to the small Bethany Church (est. 1854) across the road from Wirra Wirra's century old ironstone cellars.
Regional information: Wirra Wirra Vineyards is situated 3.7km from the township of McLaren Vale in the state of South Australia. Originally settled in 1838, McLaren Vale has become one of Australia's most highly regarded and accessible wine regions, just 45 minutes by car from Adelaide, the state capital. Its Mediterranean climate and proximity to the Gulf St. Vincent provides the region with a unique ability to produce consistent, richly complex and long lived wines from classic grape varieties, in particular that powerhouse of the Australian wine industry, shiraz.
Vinification: The fruit is sourced from a selection of premium vineyard sites in McLaren Vale, specially picked for their particular microclimates and resulting styles. Fermentation starts cool, and the temperature rises as the yeasts become more active. The wine is regularly pumped over the grape skins to obtain the desired fruit and flavour extraction, before a gentle pressing. The wine is matured in mainly French oak barrels, resulting in the generous and smooth Church Block signature style.
Wine of Australia
Country of Origin Australia
Produced by: R.G. & R.T. Trott Pty. Ltd., Wirra Wirra Vineyards, McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale, S.A. 5171.
Item code: 8167613
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