Jim Barry Mcrae Wood Shiraz 2020

Jim Barry Mcrae Wood Shiraz 2020

The McRae Wood Shiraz is made from grapes declassified from ‘The Armagh’ and blended with special parcels of estate fruit. Dense inky black heart with a deep dark purple black hue. Elevated scents of black cherry, liquorice and blackberry carry a smoky cedar overlay with some fennel, earth and peppered meat notes following on. Rich and plush yet also sturdy in its structure with black cherry and liquorice fruits framed by muscular tannins. Black olive, scorched earth, toasty cedar and blackpepper characters lurk in the background. Slightly grippy yet generous medium to long conclusion.

It's a flavoursome, fuller-figured red with clove and cinnamon wood a feature over red plum, raspberry coulis and figgy, dried fruit characters. Thick in the palate with ribs of firm, gravelly tannin, the wine finishes with decent length, albeit a bit woody/dusty over finesse and freshness. For those seeking a liberally seasoned, bolder red, this works. Drink by 2036. 92 Points Mike Bennie – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

A rich, full-bodied wine exuding cloves, blue fruits, mace and tea tree. The tannins, a sheath of astringent gristle and polished grain, a gentle seam of oak attacking the long, bolshy finish. A rub of classic Clare liniment, minty and a bit drying, across the finish. This is a large-framed wine from a warm year that will please the traditional drinker of robust reds. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. 92 Points JamesSuckling.com