2023 Vegas Block Shiraz

Our third consecutive wet growing season, La Nina continued to make herself known through 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 rain 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 was not picked until the 14th of February. Picking was conducted under warm, clear skies. This is a Single Vineyard, block specific Shiraz from the Graveyard Vineyard. This particular block sits on the southern end by the McDonald’s Road and Thompson’s Road corner. The wine derived its name after being replanted several times over the last 35 years, resulting in a lot of money being put into it, just like a trip to Las Vegas. We were very tempted to label it “Vega$” with the dollar sign for fun.