Truth be told, I feared for my beloved Church Block as it approached its 40th anniversary with the 2011 release. Fortunately it’s come out looking okay. It won’t be remembered as a great year but it should still show enough to please its legion of fans.
It smells, tastes and feels Cabernet dominant (47%) but the Shiraz pumps through the mid-palate nicely. Tomato leaf is in evidence but any slightly green notes are balanced by fresh, ripe red fruits, mulberry, chocolate and plum. Loads of pepper and notable clove seasoning. The tannin is a touch firm, still I’m happy to pin the equivalent of a bronze medal to its chest. 89
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $24
Tasted: August 2013