Winemaker's Comments

This wine comes from a tiny 0.8 hectare block just across the dam from our flagship old vine Kiss Shiraz. It shows similar dark blue fruits as well as the distinctive savoury texture and al-dente tannins of this pedigree vineyard, but at a slightly more affordable price.

We have been taking this fruit for many years now, and it had always been an important component of our Two of a Kind and Synergy Shiraz, with a few barrels making the grade for Elenay over the years. The inaugural 2015 single vineyard release proved very popular with our customers, and it has since become a permanent instalment within our range.

Hand-picked on the 25th of February 2023, which is probably the latest we've ever harvested this block providing a longer than usual ripening period. The fruit was destemmed but not crushed allowing some bright carbonic characters to emerge during the relatively cool seven day fermentation on skins. Pressed off to new, one and three-year-old French oak hogsheads (300L) in roughly equal proportions for 14 months maturation prior to bottling.

"I have often gravitated to The Dam Block shiraz from Thomas Wines. Something very distinct and interesting about its personality. Really pleasurable, supple, succulent, fruit driven with sour-sweet cherry fruit character, touch of raspberry, some woody spice notes subtly woven in, black pepper in the mix and touches of undergrowth. Tannins fine, tight, silty and lingering with light chew and refreshment factor. It’s very even, balanced, inwardly concentrated; feels fine-winey and pitch perfect medium weight. Lovely stuff."
94 Points - Mike Bennie thewinefront.com.au

"Really bright, red and youthful in the glass. Pretty aromas of blue fruits, spice, ferrous earth, bramble and dried herbs. Mid-weight, bright and crunchy on the palate. Vibrant flavours of blueberry, cherry, mulberry, nutty oak and spice. The acidity has real brightness and crunch and the tannins are savoury, drying and shapely. A wine built for the long haul"
93 Points - Aaron Brasher therealreview.com

Tasting Notes

The colour is bright deep purple with a tantalising nose of fresh red and black berries, pot-pourri, espresso and bitter chocolate.
The palate is structured with a frame of fine, symmetrical tannins and refreshing acidity around a core of intense fresh blackberry, dark plum and black cherry fruits. There are whispers of licorice, pastille and a note of graphite adding a subtle mineral savoriness. The finish is long and layered with a luscious and enticing mouth-feel.

Drink 2024 – 2030+

Bottled - 28th June 2023
Production - 278 dozen
Release Date - 18th May 2024
ABV - 13.0%