Absolutely the best Back Block to date, (twice rated 94 points) this 2022 is a beautiful full-bodied Shiraz in a traditional Australian style with loads of colour and flavour and firm juicy tannins, delightful layers of plum and raspberry with classic Shiraz pepper and dusty powdery tannins that linger in the tradition of a classic big-hitting Shiraz in a velvet glove. Originally developed to help local growers with excess fruit over 15 years ago, Back Block has developed into a "reserve" style wine. Always sourced from the very best local vineyards and often blended with a percentage of Mount Avoca Estate wine, it is now a sourced from an ACO certified organic vineyard - this single vineyard Shiraz is grown on vines running north-south so is bigger more robust style than the Mount Avoca vineyard that runs east-west. A wonderful example of how wines really are made in the vineyard. Winery pick-up is free and Silver, Gold and WineClub members enjoy free freight. COLOUR:Dark red, intense opaque with a bright lustre.NOSE:Aromas of blackberry jam, just picked black currants and Doris plum, with a subtle roasted coffee and a cracked black pepper overlay.PALATE:Fresh, full bodied flavours of blackberry, sweet vanilla cherry, cocoa and toasted hazelnut wrapping around the fine supple tannins from small barrel aging. Plush and rich with lovely intensity balanced by a long clean finish with undertones of raspberry coulis, freshly ground black pepper and toasty oak.WINEMAKING:Harvested in the morning, the grapes were picked at optimal ripeness, crushed into stainless steel fermenters for MLF fermentation. The wine was matured with French and American Oak for 18 months. It was fined and filtered before being bottled.FOOD PAIRING:Rich vegetable soup or minestrone or gnocchi followed by roast lamb with seasonal vegetables, Beef Bourguignon or Osso Bucco, served with polenta, wood-fired sweet potatoes and a selection of grilled or roasted vegetables. AWARDS & REVIEWSWine Showcase: 94 points, Wine Orbit: 94 points, also multiple medals.
