2022 Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
Grape
51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Shiraz and 7% Merlot
Its Origins
Wirra Wirra Vineyards was established in 1894 by South Australian eccentric and cricketer Robert Strangways Wigley. The winery prospered in its early days, producing many wines including a much acclaimed shiraz, which was exported to England and the Empire until his death in 1926. The winery ran into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. In 1969 under the watchful eye of the late Greg Trott and his first-cousin Roger, the winery was rebuilt from the remnants of two walls and a few slate fermenting tanks. 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.
What The Critics Say
93/100 JamesSuckling.com, Ned Goodwin MW
"A vintage that marks an incoming winemaker and a culling of lesser quality fruit. Cabernet and shiraz, the Aussie archetype. Consummate, medium-bodied and savory, with better tannin management than what I recall of past vintages. Bay leaves, currants and iodine, with licorice tannins serving as gentle directives to good, supple length. An everyday claret for the sophisticate, with a strong maritime feel. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
91/100 Vinous, Angus Hughson
"The Church Block is upping its game in 2022 with the addition of superstar winemaker Emma Wood. It delivers generous layers of fruit, leafy lifted blackcurrants showing Cabernet origins brightly, with chocolate-berry and old oak in strong support. Excellent power for the price, more berry with gravel and graphite underpinned by a solid core of tannins. The structure is surprisingly strong for a wine at this price, so it's a bargain for the cellar." Drink 2025 - 2036
91/100 Halliday's Wine Companion, Marcus Ellis
“A blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot, 51/42/7%. The Wirra Wirra worker bee, this does what Church Block typically does: deliver ample flavour and fruit plushness but with a measure of structure and freshness that makes it a great all-rounder, a friend to many foods and weighted to invite a second glass. Brambly red fruits, leafiness, cracked pepper, dark berry notes, a sweet-fruited mid-palate, and a nice grip to close. It's a fine release.” Drink 2024 - 2030
| Variety | Cabernet Merlot Blend |
|---|---|
| Region | South Australia |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Maturity | 2025 -2036 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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