Claymore Wines London Calling Cabernet, Malbec 2023
G 94
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and Malbec (25%), and while the maker regards the 2023 vintage as one built on patience, it was certainly rewarded. This is one elegant, beautifully defined and executed young red. Subtly, it works its considerable charm. Dark purple-crimson hues. Dark cherries, plums, warm roasted spice and mint run smooth and long, framed in supple tannins. Holds the line beautifully. How good is this for $25! Drink now–2030 Jim Barry Wines The McRae Wood Shiraz 2022 G 94 Often considered the baby The Armagh because it was first made in 1992 to help assuage the demand for the hard-to-procure flagship red. A complex and fragrant Shiraz that goes deep into what makes Clare Shiraz tick: dark plum and black fruits enhanced and lifted by swirling, aromatic spice. In a top year like 2022, the harmony is especially apparent. Moves with grace across the palate, highlighting good concentration of fruit married to dark, toasted spices, smart vanillin-hazelnutty oak, sweet earth, dusty cocoa, and driven by ripe tannins. Runs long, runs smooth and in balance. Drink now–2035 Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2022 G 94 A real charmer of a Shiraz that engages with its upfront bright plum, blackberry and spicy pepperiness. It is a wine that brings a solid core of fine tannin and fruit intensity dressed in warm toasty oak, but it is the liveliness of the spice, the liquorice, the dusty cocoa notes that makes the lasting impact. Smooth right through to the finish with a lick of pepperiness to close. Drink now–2036 Knappstein 1878 Transcendence Riesling 2025 G 94 The barest of colour with hints of green introduces a young Riesling of purity and precision. Citrus blossom, lime juice, green apple aromas. Tight as a drum and concentrated, it is lemony fresh and chalky dry with a core of lemon, lime juice, mineral slatey-ness and light spice. Acidity is keen and there is an expectation of further ageing. Give it time. Drink now–2037 Koerner Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Sciacarello 2022 G 94 A dash of 2% of the Italian grape sciacarello is added to cabernet sauvignon for “freshness,” according to the maker. The grape is known for its spiciness which also seems to work well here, lifting the black-fruited intensity of the cabernet fruit and ringing it in some delightful floral aromatics. There’s a lovely, youthful vibrancy to this three-year-old with its striking cassis and blood plum and dark cherry fruits, violet, leaf, briar and lively spice. Glossy and smooth, it combines a fine tannin line with a brightness in acidity that lifts the palate. Juicy and ripe and mighty enjoyable right now, but further patience will be rewarded. Drink now–2037
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Clare Valley
195
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