Jim Barry Barry and Sons Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- 93
- $22
- Drink by: 2026-2041
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The never-ending debate over whether Shiraz or Cabernet is the Clare Valley’s premium red is unlikely to be resolved any time soon, but this contribution certainly adds to the Cabernet claims (mind you, the team at Jim Barry have also done as much as anyone to support the Shiraz cause with wines like the Armagh). This is also compelling evidence of what brilliant value the region can offer. Gleaming crimson magenta, the nose is all mulberries and plums, with black fruits, kirsch, aniseed, cassis and tobacco leaves. There is a line of juicy acidity, giving the wine life and energy. Finely balanced with good focus, there is excellent length here, though to satiny tannins. A classy Cabernet. Love it. Ten to fifteen years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
