Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz 2021

A$73.00

6 Pack Price
A$416.10
Availability
In stock
Volume
750ml
Varieties
Region/Country
Barossa Valley, Australia
Rating
96 points

Description

Named for an old orchard which was removed (along with 500 tonnes of bluestone) to make way for vines planted in 1995, the Apricot Block sits on an east facing slope rising up from an old creek bed that intersects our Roennfeldt Road vineyards.

The site is beautifully exposed to the soft morning sun, and benefits from late afternoon shade and cooling south easterly gully breezes. The upper sections of the block are laden with hard quartz, granite and bluestone, with the lower sections on silty, sandy loams. These contrasts in the geological structure of the block create a wine that is at once firmly structured, but also showing a generous, plush fruit profile. In a typical year, we anticipate yields of around 1 to 1.5 tonne per acre.

Pre-veraison conditions were hot and very dry, with high winds at flowering decimating yields to an all time low. Good rains at the end of January, and cooler than average ripening and harvest conditions produced a very low yield of small berried fruit, producing intensely flavoured wines with firm tannin lines.

The fruit was hand-picked on February 26, destemmed and fermented in open slate fermenters for 6-7 days. The wine was matured for 20 months in 15% tight grained new French and a balance of seasoned American oak hogsheads.

On the nose there are pretty florals interwoven through the dark fruits, with hints of stone fruit kernel. The palate is rich and creamy, the powerful fruit profile resplendent with concentrated dark plums, and touches of sauteed stone fruit and bitter dark chocolate. There are some lovely graphite like fine tannins that support the intense fruit flavour profile down the full length of the palate.

Ratings

Score
96 points
Reviewer
Wine Orbit
Review

This is bold and brooding with dark fruit richness, smoky bacon, cedar, dark chocolate and potpourri aromas on the nose, leading to a concentrated palate displaying outstanding depth and density. Beautifully framed by firm tannins, making it superbly structured and persistent. At its best: now to 2038.

Score
96 points
Reviewer
Andrew Caillard MW
Review

Deep crimson. Intense ripe blackberry, prune, dried apricot, mocha aromas with hints of liquorice. Inky deep wine with abundant blackberry, dark plum, stone fruit flavours, fine chocolaty tannins, underlying cedar/ graphite notes. Finishes chewy firm with bittersweet chinotto notes. Generous and well-balanced wine with ultra-ripe plush fruits, attractive vigour and mineral length. Drink now – 2030.

Specifications

Closure
Cork
Serving Temp.
16-18 °C
Alcohol
15%
Decanter
Food pairing
Shiraz pairs splendidly with bold, flavorful dishes like grilled meats, barbecue, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, accentuating its robust character and peppery notes.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Greenock Creek's wines unveil a kaleidoscope of aromatic nuances, each faithful to its unique sub-region within the Barossa. From the plush, rich, and silky Marananga, there's a powerful undercurrent, while Seppeltsfield exudes earthy, gamey qualities with rustic, gravelly tannins embracing lush fruit. Moppa adds to this symphony with aromatic flowers, fruit, and sweet spices dancing above flinty bass notes. As you delve deeper, the subtleties of slope, elevation, and aspect emerge, shaped by the diverse range of soils – from bluestone to siltstone, marble to limestone, and ironstone to flint and quartz.
Palate
In the quest for wine perfection, every detail matters. Handpicked grapes are treated with the utmost care, fermented in small open-top, poly-coated concrete vessels, and basked-pressed before oak aging. The pursuit of excellence earned Greenock Creek an unprecedented eight perfect 100-point scores from Wine Advocate. With Alex Peel taking the reins as chief winemaker in 2018, the focus has sharpened. Vineyard and cellar practices have been refined to elevate the health of vines and soils, harness natural freshness, and reveal the true potential of the fruit – texture, structure, purity, intensity, complexity, and freshness. Additional fermenters allow precise timing for perfect grape ripeness, while cooler fermentation promotes nuanced flavors. Softer pressing refines the wine's feel and clarity, and oak selection adapts to the vintage and vineyard. The result is wines of extraordinary subtlety, refined structures, and profound overall impact, all still bearing the signature strength, fullness, and integrity cherished by Greenock Creek's loyal followers.

Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz 2021

Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz 2021
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The Reserve Cellars. ABN 89621364994 Liquor License 196883. The Reserve Cellar supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. WARNING: Under the Liquor Act 1992, it is an offence to supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $6,000). for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $500).

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