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Clare Valley Wines

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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)

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)

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)

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)

Wakefield Estate 2006 St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $50

A perennial favorite, Wakefield’s St. Andrews bottling shows how good certain parts of Clare can be for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2006 displays a masterful blend of cedar, chocolate, mocha, cassis, baking spices and leather, all wrapped in an elegant coat of dusty but supple tannins. Drink 2015–2025. — J.C. (5/1/2012)

Kilikanoon 2006 The Duke Grenache (Clare Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $49

A top-notch effort, The Duke (a single-vineyard bottling) offers lovely cherry fruit, full body allied to a wonderfully silky texture and tremendous length. What’s not to like? Drink it over the next 3–4 years. — J.C. (8/1/2010)

Grosset 2002 Piccadilly Chardonnay (Clare Valley)

Price $39

Aromas are super, like vanilla bean and fresh cream. The palate strikes a great balance of cream and clean, crisp citrus and stone fruit. The finish is long and zesty, and tastes of lime. Excellent overall. With only 90 cases imported to the U.S., you’re more likely to find it on a restaurant list than on your retailer’s shelf. — D.T. (9/1/2004)

Jim Barry 1997 The Armagh Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Price $100

This very impressive juice shows a rich, complex nose of blackberry, earth, saddle leather, cocoa, molasses and a lovely mint element. The rich, syrupy mouthfeel supports similar ripe flavors. The long finish is deeply fruited, with handsome fig, smoke and licorice notes. Solid stuff—can drink now, but it’s built to last and will be best 2004–2012 and beyond… — W.E. (11/1/2001)

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Grenache Pinot Grigio/Gris Red Blend Rhône-style Red Blend Riesling Sangiovese Sémillon Shiraz/Syrah Sparkling Viognier White Blend

2009 Chronicle Cerise Vineyard

One sip is all it takes to know this is a terrific Pinot Noir. It’s dry…

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