Wirra Wirra in McLaren Vale is releasing two additions to the iconic Church Block label: Church Block Shiraz and Church Block Grenache Shiraz.
These new wines will sit alongside the traditional Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot blend.
Since its debut with the 1972 vintage, Church Block has stood as a benchmark for great McLaren Vale red wine.
The original blend – used from 1972 through the mid-1980s – was a Grenache Shiraz, before founder Greg Trott transitioned to the now-classic Cabernet-led style.
Maintaining the integrity and legacy of Church Block was key to the development of the new wines, says Wirra Wirra CEO Matt Deller MW.
“The evolution of Church Block was a natural next step,” he says.
“It gives us the freedom to explore McLaren Vale’s classic reds through the Church Block lens, with the same focus on authenticity, balance and style that’s defined it for more than 50 years.
“It deepens what Church Block stands for, while staying true to where it began.”
Emma Wood, Wirra Wirra’s chief winemaker since 2022, had a clear vision for the new releases.
“We’ve always approached Church Block as a fine wine,” she says.
“We carefully source and blend for complexity, style and balance.
“These new wines need to live up to the reputation built over 51 vintages by over-delivering on quality, which is why Church Block resonates with both casual drinkers and collectors alike.”
The 2023 vintages of Church Block Cabernet Blend and Church Block Shiraz will also debut a new lightweight proprietary bottle, reducing glass weight from 547g to 410g.
This innovation cuts production emissions by 68 tonnes annually, representing a 10 percent reduction in overall emissions for Wirra Wirra.
The new Church Block wines will be available from mid-July.
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