Description / Reviews
"Block 5 is situated on a gentle north facing slope in the heart of The Elms vineyard and was planted in 1993. The soils vary up the slope from heavy loess and silt, clay lakebed deposits, and angular schist gravels. Immediately complex, the Block 5 bouquet runs the full and essential spectrum from green through red to black. A wine of seamless expanse; the palate is filled with morello, sandalwood and nutmeg without ever feeling sweet. Silky tannins reveal themselves on a finish of poise and elegance; the structure and balance of the wine endow it with the potential to age effortlessly. The aristocratic ease of this expression, as always, reflects the harmonious relationship of these mature vines and the land which benevolently accommodates them." - Winemaker Notes
"Dark cherry and black raspberry lead to more brooding but very concentrated flavours of violet, coffee, cocoa and earthy minerality on the firmly structured and muscular palate. Currently closed and inward but with great length, this is clearly very serious with plenty of substance but it will need time to unclench and relax. Drink: 2028-2045." - 97 Points, Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review
"Fabulous bouquet and palate, a wine that speaks of site first then layers of ripe red berry fruits from boysenberry to black cherry and heirloom Doris plum. A distinctive savoury wild dried herb and thyme qualities add complexity and foundation. Taut and dry with firm tannins and a backbone of acidity, together framing the fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Lengthy and rather delicious, a wine that needs cellar time with best drinking from 2028 through 2036+" - 96 Points, Cam Douglas MS
