2022 Wirra Wirra House Block Shiraz, McLaren Vale

This was such a good vintage in McLaren Vale and, in fact, throughout South Australia, so it’s little wonder a wine of this class and quality has been produced. This comes off the Wirra Wirra estate on a vineyard that was planted back in 1960 and is today farmed along biodynamic principles. This is just beautiful. It was hand plunged, basket pressed and then went into French barriques and puncheons. The aromas have a lovely cherry, blackberry and lightly plummy combination. While the palate is almost succulent with its richness and density, it displays hugely concentrated flavours with a compote of dark fruits, a plummy prune-like richness, a little dark chocolate and a fine spiciness. It’s vibrant, it’s alive and it’s thoroughly joyous to drink. Super wine.

98 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot

The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional fruit, with a long, even growing season allowing the old vines to produce berries of remarkable concentration while retaining freshness and natural balance. Careful maturation in French oak has enhanced complexity without overshadowing the vineyard's distinctive personality.

Deep crimson with purple hues, the bouquet reveals layers of blackberry, satsuma plum and black cherry intertwined with dark chocolate, liquorice, black pepper and subtle cedar. As the wine evolves, notes of star anise, smoked meats and savoury spice emerge, adding further complexity. The palate is rich yet beautifully composed, combining generous dark fruit with velvety tannins, vibrant acidity and impressive structure. Powerful without excess, the finish is long, savoury and wonderfully persistent.

An outstanding partner for chargrilled rib eye, slow roasted lamb shoulder, beef short ribs, venison or aged cloth-bound cheddar. While already immensely enjoyable with a generous decant, this outstanding McLaren Vale Shiraz will reward careful cellaring for many years.

About Wirra Wirra

Wirra Wirra was established in 1894 by Robert Strangways Wigley. Having fallen into disrepair after his death in 1926, it was resurrected by Greg Trott, who with his cousin along with his cousin Roger Trott bought the property in 1969. They restored the historic ironstone cellars and revived what is now one of Australia’s most loved names in wine.

The Wirra Wirra team passes by a large slate installation as they enter the winery, inscribed by Greg’s mantra: Never give misery an even break, nor bad wine a second sip. You must be serious about quality, dedicated to your task in life, especially winemaking, but this should all be fun.

Today, the much-enlarged estate vineyards across McLaren Vale are complemented by fruit from long-term growers in the Adelaide Hills, with vineyard work managed by a team lead by viticulturist Anton Groffen. The original estate vineyards around the winery, as well as those the team manages, are certified organic and biodynamic.

The women rule back at the winery, with chief winemaker Emma Wood working closely with Kelly Wellington and Grace Wang. Each wine in the Wirra Wirra portfolio has a defined style but with allowance for vintage variation. The stylistic thread across the wines is a balance of generosity and elegance.