Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz Winemakers Selection

The 2008 Terra Barossa Shiraz Winemaker’s Selection was aged in French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it is ripe, rich, yet light on its feet. Flavorful, layered, and well-balanced, it will evolve for 2–3 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2020. It is an outstanding value.

Dark and a bit chewy, this is generous with its blackberry and cherry flavors, which pick up tobacco and prune notes on the finish. Drink now through 2012.

A good rule of thumb for the Thorn-Clarke wines: you should always double our price to get an idea of what the wine is really worth. This is especially true for the Winemaker’s Selection Shiraz. Incredibly lush, with the kind of finish you’re still tasting ten minutes later. Seamless, saturated and truly spectacular, with Cherry Coke, cranberry and cassis fruit flavors rounded out by licorice, black pepper and exotic oak spice. Dazzling!

Wines from Australia’s Barossa Valley have the reputation of being the epitome of New World style. Rich and full-bodied with wonderful, mouth-watering fruit, these wines have become exceptionally popular. This Shiraz definitely follows suit with a jammy nose of juicy blueberries and white pepper. It opens up on the palate with tart raspberry and a touch of red currant, followed by a multi-layered kick of oak that adds a smooth vanilla component. The finish is dry and peppery with lovely, fine grained tannins. This wine is big, opulent and full of flavor; at the same time, it is balanced by a bright touch of acidity, making it perfect with food. I would serve this with a heavier meal such as Filet Mignon Au Poivre, or a hearty beef stew with roasted root vegetables.