Store
Fireblock Shiraz
Year
2008
2008
Varietal
Shiraz
Shiraz
Style
Bold
Bold
Origin
Australia
Australia
Pairing
Pork
Pork
$16.00 per bottle
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Origin
Clare Valley, a 90-minute drive north from Adelaide, is part of the Clare-Watervale region. It is the northernmost vine-growing area in the South Australia appellation, and its climate is correspondingly warmer and drier, although the maritime influences of Spencer's Gulf and the Gulf of St. Vincent cool things down, especially at night. While best known for world-class Riesling, Clare Valley also produces full-flavored Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Shiraz. Pairings
While styles of Australian Shiraz can vary dramatically, most of them feature a softer, fuller body than other reds, which offers intriguing pairing opportunities with red meat, game and other full-flavored fare. Without overwhelmingly youthful tannins or screeching acidity, the Fire Block is also a worthy accompaniment to spicier preparations, such as Moroccan lamb stew, Korean sizzling beef or roast pork with mole sauce. But, above all else, this wine loves a good barbecue!Serve at cool room temperature (64°F).
Winemaker
Back in the 1920s, due to concerns that sparks from passing steam locomotives might ignite cataclysmic bush fires, a buffer zone, or "fire block," was established between the train tracks and huge expanses of grazing land. What became known as the "Fire Block" vineyard was first planted in 1923. It is now owned by Bill and Noel Ireland, former Sydney wine retailers and the founders of Flinders Bay Winery in Margaret River. The Wine
Farmed without irrigation, these ancient Shiraz vines struggle mightily here, one of Clare Valley's "most parched" sites. But, while the yields are miniscule, the fermented juice produces very concentrated and flavorful wines. Aged in a combination of French and American oak casks for 12 months, the 2008 Fire Block exhibits aromas of baked plum, huckleberry, black cherry liqueur, earth and fresh herbs. On the palate, it has a medium-to-full-bodied texture that is supported by rich blackberry and spiced plum flavors, with licorice and menthol notes emerging from the background. It's decadently rich, but thanks to the taut acidy and ripe tannins framing the fruit, it never loses its balance or focus. Recently Viewed :
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