“A 46/42/12% blend matured for 18 months in French and American oak satisfies all the criteria for a blend such as this: bright colour and fresh black and red fruits, undaunted by the extended time in barrel, and satisfying ripe tannins. And a gold-plated bargain.” James Halliday
“Astonishing value-for-money” Huon Hooke
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.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, the Church Block label has become an Australian favourite for over four decades. Rich red and black fruits fill the mouth. Raspberry, red currant and plum fruits are balanced with fine sandy tannins and cedar oak. This medium to full bodied wine shows a lovely balance and style in true Church Block character.
The late Greg Trott was a much-loved dreamer, eccentric and visionary who built Wirra Wirra into a much-acclaimed winery. He was a major influence on McLaren Vale’s development into a premium wine-growing region.
At the winery there is a plaque inscribed with Greg Trott’s philosophy on life. It reads: “Never give misery an even break, nor bad wine a second sip. You must be serious about quality, dedicated to your task in life, especially winemaking, but this should all be fun."
Greg Trott was also
outspoken on the issues of water management, land conservation and chemical use before it became fashionable. He would be proud that Wirra Wirra is producing outstanding wines that reflect the values that Greg held over 50 years ago.
It has organic and biodynamic certified estate vineyards and an unwavering commitment to protecting and developing their environment from vineyard through to winery production. It is dedicated to producing quality wines in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
2019 Wirra Wirra Church Block 14.0% 6x75cl £90.00
“Intense ruby-red core to a crystalline ruby rim. Dark berry compote, cedar shavings and wakame aromatics. There’s a dense richness of chocolate and dark berry fruit, judiciously balanced though with a firm hand of sandy-grained tannins. Good length and flow to a quite long and savoury finish. A lot of wine here at the price.” Stuart Knox (The Real Review)
The wine has a deep, ruby-red hue that promises intensity and depth. The inviting aromas are of dark berries, plums, and black cherries, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla and oak, which add a layer of complexity to the bouquet.
The palate is rich and full-bodied, a harmonious fusion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure and firm tannins, while the Shiraz brings opulent fruit flavors and a touch of spice. The addition of Merlot softens the blend, enhancing the smoothness and adding a velvety texture to the mouthfeel.
The well-balanced acidity provides freshness and liveliness to the ripe fruit flavours without overpowering the overall taste. The finish is long, satisfying, and leaves a delightful impression of dark chocolate and subtle herbal notes lingering on the palate.