Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2011

While Clare Valley is renowned for Riesling, the Shiraz based wine can be spectacular. Part of this comes from the soil type. The area is also a little more elevated and moderate in temperature than many of the other areas in South Australia. The soil types can vary in the area with Polish Hill containing a higher percentage of Clay while Watervale has a mixture of quartz, limestone and loam. Many producers have two Riesling on their book which highlight the difference. Shiraz based wines aren't the same. They generally have an entry level and a premium example.

Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2011

The team at Jim Barry didn't produce their top Shiraz from 2011 so they could up the quality of the McRae Wood. I think that was a great move but the wine is still a representation of the season. There is menthol notes mixed with fresh cut herbs, cherries, cloves and pepper on a medium bodied palate that is a little narrow and astringent but there is enough likeable flavours to get through. I would give this another year in bottle to work some issues out and them it will be nice drinking. The tannins aren't that prominent so I wouldn't hold it for too long but the year in bottle will allow the oak to reduce.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $50
Rated: 88
Drink 2014 - 2018