The 2021 Block 9 Shiraz is super spicy and leans on its structural framework in the mouth. The fruit is spicy and long but not overt; it sits within the folds of tannins in the mouth and bleeds out over the long finish. It offers notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, lashings of exotic spice and layers of brick/coal dusty. There's a nice kirsch quality through the finish—I do like that. Block 9 was planted in 1985 and is dry grown. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Very deep garnet colored, this wine has an earthy / medicinal nose displaying some evolution over a core of black cherry, red currant and eucalypt. The palate provides decent concentration with high acid and medium-firm, grainy tannins. The finish is long with lingering earthy / savory notes.