H-Block Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Cellar Release
On the banks of the Greenock Creek, Otto Kasper planted a single block with two cabernet parcels and a shiraz parcel sitting side by side and thus created the perfect opportunity to make a single block of the great Australian blend, Shiraz and Cabernet. Effectively a blend of Clos Otto and Von Kasper!
(Due to volume scarcity, a 6 bottle limit applies)
Accolades
James Halliday Wine Companion – 95 points
JamesSuckling.com – 92 points
The Real Review – 95 points
Tyson Stelzer – 96 points
Vineyard
H-Block: Deep red clay loam | Western bank of Greenock Creek | Old clone | Low topographical position | Slight easterly aspect | East-west oriented rows
Upshot: Intense fruit | Consistent varietal characteristics | Herbaceous notes
Vintage
Pre-vintage
Rainfall: Dry winter/early spring | rain event early November
Temperature: Consistently warm from late spring to early summer
Upshot: Ideal ripening conditions | No disease pressure | Earlier expected harvest dates
Vintage
Rainfall: Rain event in late January
Temperature: Mild summer temperatures
Upshot: Vine relief | Slow sugar ripening | Increased flavour development | Delayed harvest | Exceptional seed and flavour ripeness balance
Winemaking
Fermentation: De-stemmed | 2-3 pump overs per day
Oak: French – 60% new, 40% old | Natural malolactic fermentation | Blended after 6 months | 22 months maturation
Technical Analysis: Alcohol – 14.5% | pH – 3.59 | Acid – 6.7g/L | RS – <1.0g/L
Noteworthy Dates
Harvested: 27th February & 3rd March 2015 | Bottled: January 2018 | Re-released: August 2021
Profile
Sensorial
Profile: Dark plum | Cassis | Blackcurrant | Mint
Texture: Rich and structured | Firm tannin architecture | Built to age
Animal/Vehicle/Musical
Animal – Black Eagle
Vehicle – Lamborghini Urus
Musical – Euphonium