Block E is a 0.4 hectare subsection of the 80 acre Pyren Vineyard which is situated in the Warrenmang Valley near Moonambel, Victoria. These Shiraz grapes have been separately vinified since 2004.
I wasn’t that keen on last year’s release, but a kinder growing season sees the fruit in tip-top form this time round. Plums are met by fresh purple and red berries with lovely, vibrant cola tinged acidity humming throughout. Mint, earth, leather and pepper all play a part as well. It’s slightly creamy through the mid-palate then aniseedy and spicy through the back-end. I have a bit of an issue with the oak though. It seems a touch clumsy, especially from a textural perspective, pulling the wine up prematurely and imparting a distracting woody rawness to what is otherwise an enjoyable profile. There are still plenty of positives on display. Good
Region : Pyrenees
Alcohol: 13.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $30
Tasted: November 2011