Wines from Clare Valley

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Jim Barry 1996 The Armagh Red (Clare Valley)

Price $75

The structure may be massive, but the tannins are ripe and soft, and the fruit concentration is amazing. An explosive nose of black cherries and plums, as well as oriental spices and vanilla. The richness and depth of flavor are spectacular. The finish is long and the flavors fully delineated. — W.E. (11/15/1999)

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Jim Barry 1999 The Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

You could fill your pen with this stuff, it’s that dark. Aromas of black cherry marmalade, cassis and white chocolate, young and fresh. In the mouth, it’s massive and ripe, yet balanced and harmonious, with perky acids and caressing tannins. Be forewarned: Big is not necessarily better. Despite the high score, this wine will drown many foods. — S.H. (12/15/2002)

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Jim Barry 2002 Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Price $100

Abyss-black and adheres to the unwritten but well understood rule that Armagh must be big and bold, more appropriate for a passionate rendezvous than the dinner table. This vintage offers penetrating eucalyptus, white pepper, even meaty aromas. The palate is full and rich, dealing mixed berries, plum, eucalyptus and a hint of caramel. There are lasting, grippy… — D.T. (6/1/2006)

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Jim Barry 2000 The Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Price $100

Monster stuff—thick, black and oozy—yet with high-toned red fruit and mint scents that match the intensity of the smoke and toast of new oak. Maple syrup, black olive and blackberry flavors pick up hints of pepper, particularly on the finish. — W.E. (12/1/2003)

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Mitchell 1999 Sevenhill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $28

Dark and whole, the full package with nary a flaw. Very rich and spicy, but with enough plump black fruit to support all that spice, licorice and espresso. It’s tight now, almost unyielding, but for fans of masculine Cabs that still feature a sensationally sweet core of fruit, this is terrific stuff. — M.S. (12/15/2002)

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Jim Barry 2004 The Florita Riesling (Clare Valley)

Price $30

Jim Barry’s first Florita is a delicious wine with Meyer lemon aromas and a dry, smooth, austere feel. The first sip is an intense rush of green apple, pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon flavors; the second sip, it’s demure, almost coy, in its minerality and auserity. Ever-changing, with a kaleidoscope of flavors and sensations. Drink now through 2020. Imported by… — D.T. (4/1/2006)

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Wakefield Estate 2001 St Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $50

Made in the winery’s classically savory style, this flagship Cabernet shows a touch of bricking at the rim and some maturing aromas and flavors of tobacco, cedar and earth. It’s broad and mouthfilling, creamy in texture yet not obviously fruity, finishing with lush, soft tannins and a touch of hickory smoke. Drink now–2015. — J.C. (2/1/2008)

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Jim Barry 2002 The Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $140

For a late-release 2002, this is still very youthful, packing layers of rich cassis and blackberry fruit into a soft jacket of vanilla, cedar and toasted coconut. It’s full-bodied, lush and velvety—a simply terrific Cabernet that should prove to have excellent aging potential as well. Drink now–2020. — J.C. (2/1/2008)

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Grenache Red Blend Rhône-style Red Blend Riesling Sémillon Shiraz/Syrah Sparkling White Blend

Most Reviewed Wineries

Annie's Lane Grosset Jim Barry Kilikanoon Koonowla Leasingham Mitchell Pauletts Pikes Reilly's Tim Adams Wakefield Estate

2005 Gershon Bachus Aquilo North Wind Special Edition Robbins Vineyards

At nearly eight years of age, this Napa-based Cabernet has just been…

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