2013 Wirra Wirra "Church Block" Red Blend McLaren Vale South Australia (Elsewhere $20.00)

2013 Wirra Wirra "Church Block" Red Blend McLaren Vale South Australia (Elsewhere $20.00) SKU #1245056

$14.99

JH 94	JS 92	WE 91
WS 90

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Professional Reviews

James Halliday
94
Australian Wine Companion - "A 50% Cab, 37% Shiraz, 13% Merlot blend matured for 18 months in French (70%) and American (30%) oak (10% new), one of Wirra Wirra's celebrated foot soldiers. This really does over-deliver; while it's chock-full of luscious red and black fruits (more on the red side) it has good shape and texture, the finish very more-ish. (JH)

(03/2015)
James Suckling
92
The staple of the Wirra Wirra stable, this has a definitive cabernet stamp to it with liquorice and dark chocolate. Plum fruits, cassis and black cherry flavors linger on elegant tannins. Nicely cut wine and cleverly blended. Drink now. (JS)

(02/2016)
Wine Enthusiast
91
**Editors' Choice** At 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a firm, cassis-scented wine, but one that includes hints of ripeness and generous fruit. Dried herbs and brown sugar add nuance, while the velvety finish picks up some meaty, savory notes. Drink now-2025.

(03/2016)
Wine Spectator
90
Firm and appealing, with generous cherry and pear flavors, finishing with a hint of grapefruit as the finish lingers. Has freshness and depth. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Best from 2016 through 2020. (HS)

(06/2015)

K&L Notes

91 Points Wine Front: "Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Releasing the power of the blend in a country that's mono-variety obsessed. This kind of amply fruited, yet not so cynical style is what keeps a lot of people coming back for more, I reckon. Blackcurrant, almost to Ribena richness, violet, a whiff of truffle and cedar wood delivers the goods. Medium to full bodied, ample dark fruit and dark chocolate, grainy tannin through the middle, well settled but fresh acidity, and chocolate, raspberry and blackcurrant to close - with some savoury characters in the mix too. Pretty sure a lot of non-wine-speak people will think "what's this drongo going on about!", but the message here is pretty clear: here's a fruit forward juicy McLaren Vale number that's sure to push the buttons of the average fancier of a good Aussie red." Winemaker's Notes: "The nose whows lifted cassis and leaf with cedar and clove spice. The fragrant cabernet sauvignon dominates with bright red fruits and plums. On the palate it is rich and generous with plush dark fruits. The red and black currants, Satsuma plums and raspberries are balanced by fine savoury tannins and cedary oak. Church Block was the first wine the late Greg Trott produced under the Wirra Wirra label back in 1972. He took the namefrom one of the original vineyards, next to the small Church (est. 1854) across the road from Wirra Wirra’s century old cellars. Over four decades, the Church Block label has become an Australian favourite."

Staff Reviews

By: Dave Genevro
3/22/2016
K&L Staff Member

This blend is a great red. It has all the punch, life, balance and length that I look for in a blend. With some great textures at the finish, what's not to love about this wine from a classic Aussie producer?!
By: Ryan Moses
3/18/2016
K&L Staff Member

Singing right out of the bottle, a melange of bright fruit showcases the Merlot and Shiraz up front. On the palate the Cabernet steals the show as there's a depth of concentration and fine grain tannins surrounding deep red raspberry and plum. Tasted blind, this could be a Napa Bordeaux blend, but the finish seems reminiscent of Bordeaux. Perhaps trying to place it somewhere else is a mistake as it's simply terrific for what it is - a ready to rock, structured, and delicious Aussie Cabernet blend.
By: Ryan Woodhouse
3/18/2016
K&L Staff Member

One of THE quintessential South Australian go-to reds. Wirra Wirra have been pleasing wine drinkers everywhere with this little number for over 40 years! Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the nose and palate with dark fruit, cassis, blackcurrant, cedar and pipe tobacco; the Shiraz and Merlot components play wingman adding a lushness to the mid palate and softening Cabernet's tannic qualities. This is such a complete bottle and one that has proven itself time and time again as one of the enduring values of Australian wine. Load up on this for this for grilling this summer!
Top Value!