Thorn-Clarke Barossa Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017

This wine is named in honour of Ron Thorn. The big, heavy bottle and grand labelling might bring certain expectations, but this wine has other notions. It’s starting its journey and it’s calling for your interest early on. Frankly, it’s years away from revealing all, but we are granted a small window through which to appreciate its beauty, its potential. I like these kind of wines, they don’t lay everything out on a platter for the drinker, they call out for your interest. It won’t be to everyone’s liking. It will divide opinion and tastebuds. It’s a reminder of Barossa Shiraz from the past. There is a ripe boldness. Tannins aren’t shy, neither is the smoky, barbecue oak. Or alcohol. It’s a slow burn, definitely. That said, it demands attention with its blackberry, brambly fruits, boiled fruit cake with plums, chocolate, ginger, savoury oak, mint/eucalypt, touch of Moroccan spices. As I was saying, it’s an interesting wine . . . in a good way. Give it its head and some time.