Since 1972, Church Block has been synonymous with exceptional McLaren Vale red wine. Its signature Cabernet Shiraz Merlot blend has become a staple on Australian tables, holding the title as the nation's most beloved bottle of red. Now, after more than 50 vintages, Church Block is ready to evolve.
From 1972 through the early '80s, Church Block was originally a Grenache Shiraz blend. With this release, Wirra Wirra revisits that legacy bringing together two of McLaren Vale's most iconic varieties.
Juicy, vibrant Grenache meets the plushness of Shiraz in a generous, bright, and irresistibly moreish blend. Smooth and highly drinkable, it's a modern classic in the making.
92/100 Tony Love, WinePilot.com, August 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"One of two new sibling releases, the other a straight varietal Shiraz, to enhance the Church Block brand, which for decades has come only in the form of a Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot blend. The back story is that this Grenache/Shiraz duo was the original Church Block combo from 1972 before changing to the Cabernet led style in the early 1980s. Here it is a 60/40 Grenache led mix with a lovely G-spotted aromatic – more cherry and crimson fruited than darker. It’s fleshy and juicy with just the faintest of earthy tannin dustings in the palate. Given the current love story with Grenache, this should go gangbusters, and deservedly so. "
92/100 Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, July 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"There’s a lot to like here. In fact it’s a great example of the joy of blending; this wine essentially tastes of grenache, which is a great thing, but then there are darker more blueberry-and-plum characters, which give the wine an extra boost. Spice, raspberry and violet; these characters apply. It’s a happy drink. It’s juicy. It’s dry where it needs to be. It’s good."