OLD BLOCK SHIRAZ: ‘Originally from the St Hallett Old Block vineyard, this wine was first made by Robert O’Callaghan and Stuart Blackwell in 1980. To qualify for Old Block Shiraz, the vineyards must be planted on their own rootstock and be more than 50 years old. The oldest vineyard used to create the Old Block was planted in 1870 whilst the youngest 1936, with an average of close to 100 years’, Helen McCarthy, Chief Winemaker.  

GRAPE VARIETY: Shiraz 

COLOUR: Bright and intense ruby with purple hues. 

NOSE: A complex and elegant nose with dark fruits, rich dark chocolate and cinnamon spice lifting from the glass.  

PALATE: A wine showing vibrancy, elegance and concentration. Satsuma plum with layers of rich dark chocolate, cinnamon, cedar oak with hints of black pepper and nutmeg. A brilliantly defined acid backbone, with a harmonious, balanced and long finish. An elegant and bold Barossa Shiraz that will age gracefully for at least twenty years.  

VINYARD REGION: Barossa

WINEMAKING: Now, with the 35th vintage release, the wine has evolved from a single block into a selection of the best old vine parcels from the Barossa and Eden Valleys. Each of the parcels was harvested and fermented separately, based on their unique character. The wine was pressed off skins and transferred directly to French oak hogsheads and puncheons (25% new) for 12-18 months. Prior to blending, each barrel was assessed for balance and flavour to determine the ideal blend, creating a seamless, harmonious wine.