Of the two Balgownie Estate Single Vineyard Shiraz releases, this Centre Block is my preferred. The depth and complexity is hard to pass up.
From vines planted in 1969, the fruit was hand picked with 20% whole bunches and 25% whole berries used in the ferment with a dash of Viognier (1.5%). This finished wine saw French oak for 12 months (20% new).
With more density than it's Railway Block sibling, gentle aromas of chocolate and coffee grounds slowly diffuse from the glass with faint scent of grilled peppers. Blackberries and black currants fruit is flanked by some beef stock meatiness that slides in behind. Clove and puffs of earth add further layers of pleasure with a long and delicious finish. It's drinking well now but will also benefit from time in the cellar.
Drink to ten years+
94/100
Region: Bendigo
RRP: $65
Source: Sample
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