Jim Barry purchased seventy acres of prime river flats in 1964, from Duncan McRae Wood in the Armagh area of Clare Valley and planted his first vineyard with Shiraz. It was an inspired choice of variety and location. The site would go on to become the foundation of Jim Barry's red wine production and to yield a spectacular quality of Shiraz which is earmarked for the internationally renowned The Armagh. McCrae Wood is a big, full bodied wine with extravagant palate in true Jim Barry styling, layered with deep tannins and ripe, concentration of flavours.
With its beautiful rolling hills, ideal winter rainfall and Mediterranean climate, Clare Valley grows some of Australia's most distinctive Shairaz. The region is blessed by aquifers that refresh the vines, and welcome falls of rain keep the fruit looking healthy. The idyllic climes surrounding the McCrae Wood property mean that even in drought years the vines can offer amazing resilience. To this day the site enjoys near perfect growing conditions and produces outstanding Shiraz grapes which are often destined for inclusion into some of the world's great wines. The finished McCrae Wood Shiraz is teated to an extended maturation in a selection of seasoned and new French and American oak barrels.
Colours of crimson and inky, ruby red. The nose displays intense aromas of black fruit, raspberry, blackcurrant and plum, supported by tar and asphalt, liquorice, oregano and lavender. The palate is unreserved in its flamboyance. Initial arrival of blueberries, tobacco, nutmeg and cranberry. The departure shows coriander, sage, vanilla pods and cinnamon, the finish shows excellent length. A generous red wine to accompany pasta and meats.
