VINTAGE: 2009. REGION: McLaren Vale. GRAPE VARIETIES: Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Shiraz (29%), Merlot (20%).

VINEYARDS: Wirra Wirra sources fruit from a combination of owned vineyards and premium McLaren Vale growers. The blend of individual vineyard and sub-regional characteristics is the key to the resulting style. Sub regions are Blewitt Springs, McLaren Flat, Willunga and McLaren Vale.

VINIFICATION: At the beginning of fermentation temperatures were kept from 20 - 22°C, once the yeast became more active, temperatures were maintained between 25 - 28°C. In general, the ferments were pumped over two to four times daily to assist in the desired flavour and colour extraction, as well as to monitor and control fermentation temperature. Once the batches display the ultimate flavour and tannin extraction, the ferment was pumped over gently once daily to keep the cap (grape skins) moist, but to minimize further extraction. At approximately 1-2° Baume, the juice from the fermenter was separated, and the remaining grape skins were pressed in the Willmes airbag press.

OAK MATURATION: Wine was matured in oak barrels, ranging from new to 4 year oak. Of the final blend, approximately 10 - 15% of the wine was matured in new oak, with the majority of it being French and a small proportion of American oak.

TECHNICAL DETAILS: pH 3.42 TA 7.1 ALC 14.5%

WINEMAKERS: Paul Smith & Paul Carpenter

COLOUR: Deep plum with brick red hues.

BOUQUET: The aroma displays lifted fresh berry fruits including blackberry, raspberry and mulberries. Cedary oak, star anise and fresh leather add subtle complexity.

PALATE: The palate displays succulent fresh black and red berry fruits and fine, sandy tannins which provide a structured and focused wine. The generous fruit weight is balanced by integrated cedary oak and refreshing acidity which come together to produce a wine with great balance and style.

DRINK: Now to 8 years.

FOOD MATCH: Rosemary and garlic rack of lamb with kipfler potatoes in duck fat.

James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2012 Edition - 93 Points

TOP 100 “09 Church Block comes back down to earth and focuses on delivering the essences of McLaren Vale in a glass.”  

INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2011 - Bronze Medal. “ Lush, sweet and intense with bold, lively blackberry and raspberry.”  

PARRAMATTA ADVERTISER Three Cheers, Rick Allen DEC 2010 - “This bang for your buck McLaren Vale red has been a pillar of Wirra Wirra’s success over the years. It’s a blend of cabernet, shiraz and merlot and offers a full, fleshy palate of red berries, blackcurrant and herbs. It’s rick and full bodied, but has the soft approachability you want from your drink-now reds. You won’t go too far wrong if you have a few of these lying around. Will suit a restaurant or just a relaxed gathering with friends.”  

WBM May 2011 - 92 PTS “...it has the structure and definition to sustain it for two decades – and how often does that happen at this price?!”  

WINEFRONT Gary Walsh, JAN 2011 - “There’s blue fruit, violets, light coffee nougat oak and a little menthol on a fresh medium-weight base....Length and aftertaste is good and the whole package presents as pretty and delicious.”  

mX Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane Andy Murdoch, JUN 2011 - 4½ “... Succulent fruit is balanced with light spiciness and not-too-muscular tannins to make a dangerously drinkable drop.”  

WINE TASTE Tyson Stelzer, MAR 2011 - 92 PTS “There must be some divine intervention going on here and 09 has sure been blessed.”  

WEEKEND WEST Ray Jordan, MAR 2011 - 93 PTS “Simply one of the best value wines around the $20 mark in Australia. And when you get a full ripe vintage like this one, with its mid-palate opulence and flesh, it comes together as a terrific wine.”