Description
"The Clarevale Co-operative is where Jim Barry’s winemaking journey began in 1947, as the Clare Valley’s first qualified winemaker. His work there would not only shape his own winemaking future, but also the direction of Clare Valley grape growing. He saw an industry beyond fortified wines and encouraged growers to plant Shiraz, Cabernet, Malbec and Riesling by providing free rootlings. Leading by example, he planted his first vineyard to Cabernet and Malbec in 1964 and his early wines were blends of these varieties. Two generations later, his foresight has allowed us to produce this wine, honouring his vision." - Winemaker Notes
"This is an exquisite take on a heavily localized interpretation of luncheon claret. Mid-weighted, gently extracted and dangerously drinkable, effortlessly quenching the thirst without any anodyne stray into the soupy zone of the cool cats. In other words, the fruit is savory and expressive and the tannins are beautifully compressed, caressing notes of red currant, graphite, tea tree, blue gum and violet. The mid-palate, inky-iodine and plump. The finish, sophisticated and sinewy in the best sense. A wine that makes me realize how beautiful things once were before the call of bombast globalism and wines that so often, no matter where one goes, taste the same. Celebrate the difference! This is nigh on a perfect wine, if poise, soul, affordability and drinkability alone were the determining factors. Drinkable now, but best after 2028." - 97 Points, Ned Goodwin MW
