Thorn-Clarke Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz Winemakers Selection Premier L 2008

This wine continues to impress year after year. Bright black plum, sweet spice and rich oak mdash; a perfect barbecue match. Plus itrsquo;s a liter bottle, so you get another glass of this delicious wine for next to nothing.

Deep, bright purple. Aromas of candied red and dark berries, with notes of mint and dried flowers adding complexity. A sweet, spicy midweight that offers juicy raspberry and cassis flavors and a hint of cracked pepper. Finishes bright and fresh, with good lift and lingering spiciness. Lots of straightforward fruit here and the price is right; it actually comes in a one-liter bottle.

The 2008 Terra Barossa Shiraz Winemakerandrsquo;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 2andndash;3 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2020. It is an outstanding value.

Wines from Australiaandrsquo;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.

The 2009 Terra Barossa Winemakers Selection 1 Litre Shiraz gives a very deep garnet-purple color and aromas of warm black cherry and fruits of the forest with some allspice and a whiff of white pepper. Medium-full bodied with a medium level of grainy tannins, itrsquo;s generous with the mid-palate ripe fruit flesh and the finish is medium-long. Drinking now, it should remain fresh to 2014.

Fresh and open-textured, appealing for its huckleberry and spice flavors, which linger on the refreshing finish. Drink now.

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.