Wirra Wirra

Church Block

Australia, South Australia

2022

The first Church Block red from Wirra Wirra was produced 50 years ago. Exactly half a century later the 2022 vintage remains as authentically Australian as ever with its profile of blackcurrant leaf and bramble, layers of mint, eucalyptus, olive, spice, savoury herbs and a meaty undertow. Youthful but drinkable.

Celebrating 50 years of Church Block, 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 five decades, the Church Block label has become an Australian favourite.

Tasting
NOTES

Intense, very layered and typically Aussie bouquet; blackcurrant leaf, meaty bramble with a layer of mint, eucalyptus, olive, spice, savoury herb and sweet plum all mingle in the glass. Rich and powerful in the mouth with ripe fruits, sweet tannins and spicy oak note. A savoury edge with hints of tapenade and olives nods to the Syrah component. Warming alcohol is well integrated and makes for a very drinkable Antipodean red.

Food
PAIRINGS

Hefty Aussie reds are a gift for barbecued food, but this has enough elegance to pair with pigeon, spinach and cranberries and would also work well with rich buckwheat style noodles.