Thorn Clarke (Barossa) 2021 Shotfire Shiraz

93 POINTS & 5 STARS - Sam Kim Wine Orbit

When the Clarke forbears discovered gold in 1870 at the Lady Alice mine in the Barossa goldfields, so began a family dynasty intrigued by geology. A fine legacy that is reflected today in the terroir of our vineyards. The Shotfire range immortilises the Shotfirer’s hazardous job of setting and lighting the charges in the mines

The 2019 vintage in the Barossa can be summed up with two key points; low yields and high quality. Winter in 2018 was extremely dry and with high winds, frost and rain at flowering the Thorn-Clarke vineyards had a lot to contend with. As a result the vines had a very small amount of bunches and small amount of berries per bunch. Low yield though led to concentration of varietal characters in the bunches and the berries produced this year were intense in fragrance, flavour and colour. Best of all they have an amazing balance. Truly 2019 will sit alongside the greatest vintages the Barossa has seen this century.

Thorn Clarke Sandpiper (Barossa) 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Gold Medal - Melbourne International Wine Show
Bronze Medal - Royal Hobart Wine Show
Bronze Medal - New World Wine Awards
92 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

The Sandpiper range is named after the migratory bird which visits the Thorn Clarke vineyards annually from the northern hemisphere - something of a reminder of the tenacity and commitment which is required for long term viticulture.

The Sandpiper Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from several Thorn-Clarke owned vineyards. This wine is produced in a 'fruit forward' style with 12 months in primarily French oak; the wine is ready to be enjoyed now and will comfortably cellar up to 5 years. This Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon displays great lift and intensity of fruit whilst retaining Cabernet varietal character.

Thorn Clarke Sandpiper (Barossa) 2021 Merlot

88 Points - Cameron Douglas MS
4 Stars - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Gold Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show (2018 Vintage)

A deep purple colour with rich plum and blackberry aromas, this Merlot is enticing and perfumed in style. Ripe berries and Christmas spice are highlights on the palate. Medium bodied and plush the wine finishes with long, smooth tannin and complex, savoury oak notes.