2023 Vegas Block Shiraz

Our third consecutive wet growing season, La Nina continued to make herself known throughout the first three quarters of the year, with widespread floods again experienced across South Eastern Australia. Up to the 31st of December 2022, we received 1365.5mm of rain with 97 rainy days at Brokenwood. Pokolbin reached its annual rainfall by the end of June, with 2022 being the wettest year that we have had on record. The start of the growing season was particularly challenging with vineyard access and Downy Mildew pressure a constant issue. Thankfully, the weather cleared up in late October. Fruit condition and canopy were excellent despite the cooler summer. This resulted in one of the latest harvests on record, resulting in near perfect tannin ripeness. Vegas Block Shiraz was picked on the 14th February 2023, under warm, clear skies. This Single Vineyard, block-specific Shiraz comes from the Graveyard Vineyard, specifically the southern end near the corner of McDonald’s Road and Thompson’s Road. Named “Vegas Block” due to multiple replanting's over the past 35 years—each requiring significant investment, much like a trip to Las Vegas—we were even tempted to label it “Vega$” for fun!