{"product_id":"wirra-wirra-church-block-shiraz","title":"Wirra Wirra Church Block Shiraz 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWirra Wirra Church Block Shiraz\u003c\/strong\u003e marks an exciting new chapter for one of Australia's most recognised wine labels. First produced in 1972, Church Block has long been celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot blend, but the 2023 vintage introduces the very first single-varietal Shiraz under the Church Block name. Crafted in McLaren Vale by chief winemaker Emma Wood, this is a generous, beautifully polished red bursting with ripe plum, blackberry and blueberry fruit, complemented by star anise, cardamom, five spice and savoury herbs. Velvety tannins, balanced acidity and a lingering, gently spiced finish make it wonderfully approachable. Perfect alongside slow-cooked lamb, barbecued meats or a hearty homemade lasagne.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inaugural Church Block Shiraz celebrates a grape variety that has featured in every Church Block release since 1972. Sourced from McLaren Vale, the 2023 vintage was matured for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak, with approximately 8% new oak. Vibrant purple with a bright ruby hue, the wine opens with ripe red plum, star anise, cardamom and five spice. The palate is balanced and generous, showing layers of plummy fruit, charcuterie and savoury herbs, supported by supple, velvety tannins and a persistent finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling, 92\/100 (2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Dark-fruited aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate, spices and mulberries. The palate is full-bodied with supple tannis and balanced acidity, giving flavors of blood plums, cedar and coffeebeans. Nicely balanced, with an aromatic lift.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Jordan, WinePilot, 92\/100 (2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Another perfectly presented Shiraz under this label. Shiraz has been an important part of the Church Block story, present in every release since the first in 1972. The cool year has tempered the wine slightly, yet it still reveals attractive red fruits, a faint hint of licorice, and typical spice. It’s perfectly integrated with sweet American oak and savoury French oak, with about 8% new oak adding a final lift. Drink 2025-2031\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStuart Knox, The Real Review, 91\/100 (2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Ripe and powerful purple berry fruits fill the mouth…A lot of value here.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67895788962159,"sku":"101280","price":131.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/WirraWirraChurchBlockShiraz2023.jpg?v=1793343943","url":"https:\/\/stolencellar.co.nz\/products\/wirra-wirra-church-block-shiraz","provider":"Stolen Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}