Winemaker Notes
Clarry’s GSM 2018 is vivid purple in color. Amazingly lifted and bright, there are bountiful aromatics of dark plum, violet, riperaspberry, musk, sarsaparilla, cinnamon and a touch of dried herbs.The palate is generous and mouth-filling. It is well rounded with lavish flavours of ripe berries, dark fruits and a trace of chocolate mint. There are engaging fine natural tannins giving a seamless and elegant structure. An alluring radiance of fruit purityprevails throughout, with limited seasoned barrel maturation adding complexity and softness. Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro all work in harmony together delivering a layered wine of ample flavor, splendid structure and a lingering finish. Clarry’s is anapproachable, fruit-driven and opulent GSM that is best enjoyed now or over the next five years
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Opulently crafted, with aromas of sweet berries, coconut, vanilla and dense plums. BBQ tinge on the palate, with firm tannins balancing the fruit concentration.
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James Suckling
A very fresh, red-fruited blend that has a super upbeat raspberry nose and palate. Some strawberry flavors, too. Very fresh, fun and easy light red with plenty of fruit-driven appeal. A blend of 51% grenache, 43% shiraz and 6% mataro. Biodynamic. Drink now. Screw cap.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.