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The historic Fire Block vineyard was named for its dangerous proximity to the passing, flame powered railway engines of yesteryear, imperilled by the sparks of the locomotives that often ignited bushfires. Biodynamically grown Shiraz is vinified in the traditional old world way, fermented in four tonne batches, lovingly basket pressed, aged in a combination of French oak barriques and American oak hogsheads. Vibrant bouquet with plum, spice and currant characters, generously flavoured and richly proportioned, showing very well in its youth, a long, illustrious future is assured.

24.99

Fire Block Old Vine Grenache

Available by the dozen

Grenache / Clare Valley / SouthAustralia

From a small precious block, atop the wonderful Fire Block parcel of dry grown vines, planted way back in 1926, a salient example of old Clare Valley Shiraz. An unirrigated and hand pruned site, the vineyard practices, trellising methods and control of yields, are determined by only one criterionÃ¢â‚¬Å¡ to preserve the integrity of fruit each and every vintage. Concentration of elegant flavours, powerfully intense, yet exhibiting real elegance and charm. Pepper and plum, a touch of leather and spice, a lively palate expressing toasty berries, vinosity, spices and stalk supported by long gritty tannins.

24.99

Fire Block 1926 Old Bush Vine GSM

Available by the dozen

Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre / Clare Valley / SouthAustralia

Fire Block was excised from a large grazing property in 1923, out of concern that sparks from passing locomotives on the new Clare Valley railway could start bushfires. Situated on the western slope of the Valley, established to vines in 1926, the gnarled old veterans of Fire Block are grown to traditional dryland viticulture, with no systemic sprays or chemical fertilizers. From one of the most parched sites in Valley Clare, the vines sprout bunches of tiny shrivelled berries, yielding small volumes of intensely flavoured juices, to be vinified by the eminent O'Leary Walker winemaking team.

By Bill and Noel Ireland of Flinders Bay fame, Fire Block is a site that was planted predominantly to Grenache in the 1920s

Situated beside the old Watervale railway station site, Fire Block vineyard was originally planted in 1926, making the Shiraz and Grenache vines over 80 years old. The historic Fire Block vineyard was named for it's dangerous proximity to the passing railway engines of yesteryear, imperilled by the sparks of the locomotives that often started bushfires.

The 6 hectare property was purchased by Alistair Gillespie and Bill and Noel Ireland in 1995, and the 3 wines (Riesling, Shiraz, Grenache) are skilfully contract-made, winning trophies and gold medals at capital city wine shows. Winemakers: David O'Leary and Nick Walker