Wirra Wirra - Chook Block
Tuesday, 23 September 2008 | 
Knowing the beloved Hawks are contenders and not pretenders will give me the
confidence of unleashing a few good bottles this week in anticipation of
enjoying the Grand Final week to its fullest.
After my first wine of the week, the savoury 2000 Langi Shiraz, I moved on to Wirra Wirra.
Wirra Wirra has taken great strides in not allowing their wines to be the desiccated, overripe fruit character that McLaren Vale can sometimes show.
Their gentle handling approach on oak and was evident at my visit this week to their vineyard where Kiwi winemaker Samantha Connew has filled the large shoes of the late Greg Trott and seems to be showing great restraint in the midst of fellow winery "blockbusters".
The 2006 "Chook Block" which will be released next October will be something to diarise with its dense, rich but balanced and seamless palate texture.
Even at $120 it will be relative value considering it's scarcity and quality-usage of oak and compaction of old vine fruit.
The 2006 The Angelus is available now and it really starts the discussion of whether McLaren Vale Cabernet is the best varietal expression in these parts (especially given the Jimmy Watson success of McLaren Cabernet recently) .
After my first wine of the week, the savoury 2000 Langi Shiraz, I moved on to Wirra Wirra.
Wirra Wirra has taken great strides in not allowing their wines to be the desiccated, overripe fruit character that McLaren Vale can sometimes show.
Their gentle handling approach on oak and was evident at my visit this week to their vineyard where Kiwi winemaker Samantha Connew has filled the large shoes of the late Greg Trott and seems to be showing great restraint in the midst of fellow winery "blockbusters".
The 2006 "Chook Block" which will be released next October will be something to diarise with its dense, rich but balanced and seamless palate texture.
Even at $120 it will be relative value considering it's scarcity and quality-usage of oak and compaction of old vine fruit.
The 2006 The Angelus is available now and it really starts the discussion of whether McLaren Vale Cabernet is the best varietal expression in these parts (especially given the Jimmy Watson success of McLaren Cabernet recently) .