Church Block is a notable wine that we need more of; it’s both affordable and accessible while maintaining quality and potential for aging. Launched in 1972 with a blend originally composed of 70% Grenache, the wine underwent changes in the 1980s when consultancy advice led Wirra Wirra to incorporate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Initially skeptical, it’s now evident that this blend has resulted in a superb wine at an attractive price point.
The Wirra Wirra Church Block 2022 from McLaren Vale features an alcohol content of 14.5% and is made up of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Shiraz, and 7% Merlot. This vintage marks a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years since the wine’s inception by founder Greg Trott. The 2022 offering is released as supple and sweetly fruited, showcasing blackcurrant and cherry flavors without any heaviness. It has a sweet fruit core, moderate tannins, lively freshness, and an overall enjoyable drinkability. Though it offers pure drinking pleasure, it also carries hints of complexity. Its rating stands at 92/100.
Previous vintages have also received favorable reviews:
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Wirra Wirra Church Block 2021: This 14.5% alcohol blend, composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Shiraz, and 9% Merlot, is noted for its freshness and supple texture, with bright blackcurrant and blackberry elements as well as a chalky edge. Despite a warm vintage adding a bit more fruit sweetness, it promises good aging potential with a rating of 91/100.
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Wirra Wirra Church Block 2020: This vintage also carries an alcohol content of 14.5% and offers a juicy blend featuring a noticeable green hint to its blackcurrant and berry notes. It includes a touch of mint for freshness, spicy undertones, and an amaro character on the finish, rated at 91/100 and suitable for aging.
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Wirra Wirra Church Block 2009: Slightly older, this wine retains an alcohol level of 14.5% with a 51:29:20 blend. It presents a spicy, slightly earthy nose and a mellow palate filled with ripe black fruits, subtle earthiness, and a hint of mint, showcasing how it has developed beautifully over time with a rating of 92/100.
The Church Block wine consistently proves to be a reliable choice for both enjoyment now and for future cellaring.