Back Block is the more premium label for Mount Avoca, using fruit from the estate and local growers. Or at least that’s the spiel.

For one thing this definitely tastes like Pyrenees Shiraz. Black pastille fruit, mint, and a dash of pepper. Tick. It’s just a little sour on the palate, but that’s countered with juicy glacé plum and blackberry fruit, with a noticeable smudge of heat on the finish.

Sweet and sour plus quite warm, its a lumpy beast, but the fruit still puts an honest play forward. Balance, however, is MIA. Best drinking: 2018-2026.
16/20, 87/100. 14.5%, $43.75. Would I buy it? No.