Harrison Clarke
Thorn-Clarke
Shotfire Barossa Shiraz 2020
Antica Terra
Angelicall Pinot Noir Rosé 2019
Terrific rose of pinot noir from Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra. This is not your garden-variety rose: serious skin contact time coupled with her incredible wine-making abilities has produced a really substantive wine. Reminds me a bit of Manfred’s SQN roses (not surprising, I guess, since Maggie worked with Manfred for I believe a decade or so before striking out on her own with what I think is the best winery in the Willamette Valley). Do yourself a favor and try to snag some of this. Terrific juice. — 5 years ago
Wm. Harrison Vineyards & Winery (William Harrison)
Napa Valley Petit Verdot 2013
Not too often do you get to drink 100% petit Verdot. My last bottle after 2-3 the last few years. Double decanted, then consumed from bottle over the course of 6hrs.
Special anniversary bottling. 36 months in oak. Right off the bat, I’d say the wine likely needed/benefitted from that amount of oak due to how brash PV can be solo, but I’d also say it’s probably going to cause the tannin to outlive the fruit. Not as black as I expected in the glass, more of a deep red-purple. Aromatics of ripe red and black berry fruits, baking spices, dark cocoa, and dark espresso. For being all PV slathered in a lot of oak, it’s very elegant on the palate…seems like a merlot/Mourvèdre hybrid with its black cherry cordial, chocolate and slightly smoked meat notes. There’s a unique tangy-ness to the fruit, and a lot of tannin at the finish. No rush, but if you want a good bit of fruit to balance things out, maybe consume in the next 3-5yrs. — 3 years ago
@Hugh O'Riordan : Same here. Their Simpatico is quite the value wine.
Copain
Harrison Clarke Santa Ynes Valley Syrah 2006
My first anything from this winery, this was delicious. At 19 years old- still bringing it -the fruit and tannin factors that count. A joy to drink.  — a year ago
Freddy R. Troya
Thorn-Clarke “Shotfire” Shiraz 2020, Barossa Valley, Australia 🇦🇺
Overview
A classic Barossa Valley Shiraz from Thorn-Clarke Wines. The Shotfire name pays tribute to a family ancestor who worked in the Barossa goldfields in the late 1800s as a “shotfirer”, the person responsible for handling explosives during mining operations. This cuvée reflects the rich, bold style Barossa is famous for while remaining notably approachable and polished.
Aromas & Flavors
Dark blackberry, ripe plum, and black cherry layered with sweet baking spices, cocoa, and hints of black pepper. Subtle notes of mocha and dark chocolate appear as the wine opens.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet remarkably smooth. Ripe, rounded tannins and a plush texture create an effortless drinking experience, with a soft and lingering finish typical of modern Barossa Shiraz.
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, smoked brisket, lamb chops, barbecue ribs, or hearty mushroom dishes.
Verdict
A very approachable and well-balanced Barossa Shiraz that delivers generous fruit, spice, and texture without overwhelming the palate. Smooth, inviting, and simply delicious.
Did You Know?
The Barossa Valley is home to some of the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in the world, with many vineyards dating back to the 1800s thanks to Australia remaining free of phylloxera in many regions.
🍷 Personal Pick
A highly enjoyable Shiraz that overdelivers in drinkability and balance, an excellent example of Barossa’s rich style presented in a smooth, approachable way. — a month ago