The Wine Front – "Cherry, blackberry, dried herb and mint, some cracked black pepper and spice. Medium-bodied, dry and savoury, brick dust tannin is very appealing, Spanish black olive and dried herb, a little orange zest too, and a firm finish of excellent length. Love the texture and feel of it, house style if you will, though the flavour profile is a little different to prior vintages. Good." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
The Wine Front – "Blackberry, boysenberry, meaty and perfumed with dried herb, some dark chocolate in the mix too. It’s medium to full-bodied, roast beef and dried herb, black fruit, lots of silty Turkish coffee tannin, a little orange peel amaro bitterness on a nice long finish is nice too. It’s an excellent wine. Thick, but lively." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
James Halliday – Rich, ripe and round. A dark-fruited, sloshy textured, glistening Clare shiraz of good energy and sense of freshness, despite the concentration and bold character on show. Blackberry compote, black jellybeans, clove and cinnamon spice between the bouquet and palate. Silky tannins shaping things nicely. The finish a bit smudged with gritty tannin and twiggy spice notes, but fine, you'll get past that for the most part. Easygoing shiraz. - Mike Bennie
James Halliday – A blend of tempranillo, mataro and grenache from three Clare Valley vineyard sites. We've got a live one here! Juicy and ultra-fresh feeling, a bit sweet-fruited and sticky in texture but delivers a pleasing mix of ripe cherry, plummy fruit characters, woody and peppery spice mix and cola/sarsaparilla notes. There's a lushness in the texture, but it finishes fresh enough and with a smidge of tannin. The perfume is ebullient and lively. In all that, a wine of immediate sensory appeal. - Mike Bennie
James Suckling – Wow. This is a bold, brassy shiraz that carries a wealth of very intense aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, licorice and sweetly spiced earth. Still so very youthful and primary. The palate is so powerful, so mouth-filling and so, so juicy. This manages to deliver such intensity and composure. Supple, long and deep-set tannins and heroically expressive fruit. Really impressive now, but this will deliver much more over the next two decades. One of the finest releases to date.
James Suckling – Bold blackberries and plums framed in gently earthy notes and fragrance. The palate delivers a smooth, elegant and supple feel, where red plums meet mulberries in a fresh and neatly groomed mode. This has immediate appeal and medium-term aging potential. Try from 2020.
Nestled in South Australia, Clare Valley boasts a wine history that dates back over 150 years, making it one of Australia's oldest wine regions. Its undulating landscapes and unique microclimates have played a pivotal role in shaping the character of its wines. While it's often recognized for its flagship Rieslings, which exude citrus and floral notes, the valley is also home to a myriad of other varietals. Warm days paired with cool evenings ensure that grapes mature slowly, imbuing them with depth and complexity. Beyond the vines, Clare Valley is steeped in culture, with historic towns, artisanal markets, and scenic vistas adding to its charm. A visit, virtual or real, offers more than just wine—it's a holistic experience, a journey through time and taste.
Clare Valley, an enchanting gem in South Australia's vast wine tapestry, is situated approximately 120 kilometers north of Adelaide. This region, surrounded by rolling hills and pristine landscapes, has solidified its place on the world map as a premier wine-producing location. With a viticultural history dating back to the 1840s, Clare Valley seamlessly marries the old-world charm with the modern advances of winemaking. Its geographic location, combined with its unique topography, ensures that the region enjoys a continental climate, making it prime real estate for vine cultivation.
Absolutely, Clare Valley is renowned for producing high-quality wines that offer excellent value for money. Its unique terroir and climate give rise to wines with deep complexity and vibrant flavors. Rieslings from this region, in particular, are celebrated for their aromatic intensity and crisp acidity. While the region boasts premium labels that cater to the connoisseur, there's a vast selection that caters to those seeking affordability without compromising on quality. Clare Valley ensures that every wine lover, irrespective of budget, gets a taste of its magnificent offerings.
Clare Valley's magic lies in its unique combination of geography, climate, and history. The region's diurnal temperature variation, characterized by warm days and cool nights, aids in the slow ripening of grapes, ensuring depth in flavor and aroma. The valley's terra rossa soils, rich in limestone, contribute to the mineral notes in many of its wines. Additionally, Clare Valley's winemaking heritage, filled with tales of pioneering families and age-old vineyards, adds an extra layer of allure. This heritage, combined with modern innovations, has allowed the region to consistently produce wines that resonate globally.
Clare Valley is synonymous with Riesling. This white wine varietal flourishes in the valley's climate and soils, resulting in wines that are aromatic, crisp, and have a remarkable aging potential. The Rieslings from Clare Valley are recognized for their lime-citrus notes, steely minerality, and high acidity. While Riesling might be the star, the region also produces exemplary Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, showcasing the versatility of the valley.
Selecting the "best" wines from Clare Valley is subjective due to the vast range of exceptional offerings. However, some iconic labels have gained international acclaim. The region's Rieslings, with their hallmark vibrancy, often steal the limelight. Labels like "Grosset Polish Hill" and "Kilikanoon Mort's Block" have earned a reputation for excellence. In the red wine spectrum, Clare Valley Shiraz, with its rich flavors and velvety texture, has many admirers. Names like "Jim Barry The Armagh" and "Tim Adams The Aberfeldy" are often cited as benchmarks in quality. Each bottle from Clare Valley, irrespective of the label, promises a journey of taste and terroir.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.