2021 Jim Barry Clarevale Cabernet Malbec
2021 Jim Barry Clarevale Cabernet Malbec

2021 Jim Barry Clarevale Cabernet Malbec

Jim Barry |Clare Valley |Cabernet Sauvignon
A tribute to Jim Barry’s pioneering vision, this wine celebrates the timeless union of Clare Valley’s past and future through Cabernet and Malbec.
Price:
$379.00
Stock:
Sold out
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Description

When Jim Barry arrived at the Clarevale Co-operative as Clare Valley’s first qualified winemaker in 1947, the region’s future was at a crossroads. He saw beyond the fortified wines dominating at the time and envisioned a different path—a future where Clare Valley could rival the great wine regions of the world.

He championed Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, offering free rootlings to local growers and planting his first vineyard in 1964. This 2021 vintage is a direct descendant of that bold move, crafted by Jim's grandsons, Sam and Tom, to honour his legacy.

Grown on the steep eastern slopes of the Clare Valley’s Spring Farm vineyard, this wine combines the muscular power of Cabernet with the plush elegance of Malbec. This wine is now the Cabernet counterpart to the great and iconic Armagh Shiraz.

Blackcurrant and tobacco from the Cabernet, and lifted red fruits with a spicy edge from the Malbec, all harmonised by the natural tension between fruit and tannin that the Clare Valley’s unique terroir provides. 

97+ Points
"The 2021 Clarevale Cabernet Malbec is here today on the bench beside the 2018, and it is a nice thing to be able to compare the pair, so to speak. While the 2021 has the benefit of youth on its side, it isn’t just the vibrancy of it that makes me think this will be a superior wine in time. It has levity and grace in equal measure, and the oak regime—whatever the specifics of that are—appears to have been kinder and more sensitive to the fruit than the 2018... It is leafy and detailed and, really, an excellent wine. This is highly recommended for now and for the future."
– Erin Larkin (Wine Advocate)

97 Points
"Blackcurrant, aniseed and camphor, dried roses, tobacco, cedar. It’s medium-bodied, a whole heap of energy here, plenty of ferrous tannin, a whole lot of gummy chew and dried rose, redcurrant, raspberry, blonde tobacco savoury input, a bright orange tang to acidity lending freshness and a crisp feel, with a robust finish of superb length. Here we have it. It’s superb and feels like essence of Clare Valley. Kind of like Wendouree, albeit a little more pricey. Still, hats off. This is super cool and next level. Yes."
– Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

The Clarevale Co-operative is where Jim Barry’s winemaking journey began in 1947, as the Clare Valley’s first qualified winemaker. His work there would not only shape his own winemaking future, but also the direction of the region’s grape growing.

Jim Barry saw an industry beyond fortified wines and encouraged growers to plant Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Riesling by providing free rootlings. Leading by example, he planted his first vineyard to Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec in 1964, and his early wines were blends of these varieties. Two generations later, his foresight has allowed Sam and Tom Barry to produce this special wine, honouring his vision for the Clare Valley.

The two varieties do not always perform evenly and in some years this wine is not made at all, but in a good growing season, Clarevale Cabernet Malbec offers a magical experience.

The fruit is harvested from the elevated Spring Farm vineyard, which lies on the eastern corrugation of the Clare Valley region. Block 75 Cabernet Sauvignon and Block 81 Malbec are both planted on their own roots on sandy loams over slate.

This terroir leads to a muscular structure and a beautiful tension between fruit and tannin. The vinestock is renowned for producing fruit of deep colour and pronounced phenolics; this pre-phylloxera material is highly prized for its small berries and high grape skin to juice ratio.

Typically, the style comprises pristine blackcurrant fruit, a touch of bush garrigue, vigorously firm but ripe tannins and attractive maturation-derived dark chocolate notes. Like all claret styles, the finish is firm, but this is offset by buoyant and expressive dark berry fruits.

97+ Points
"The 2021 Clarevale Cabernet Malbec is here today on the bench beside the 2018, and it is a nice thing to be able to compare the pair, so to speak. While the 2021 has the benefit of youth on its side, it isn’t just the vibrancy of it that makes me think this will be a superior wine in time. It has levity and grace in equal measure, and the oak regime—whatever the specifics of that are—appears to have been kinder and more sensitive to the fruit than the 2018. This is a bigger blend by a factor of two and half times, and it does feature a small amount of new oak. What we have here is a wine of clarity, finesse and abundant red fruits. These are buffered and complemented by shaved fennel, star anise, blood, rust, garden roses and petrichor. It is leafy and detailed and, really, an excellent wine. This is highly recommended for now and for the future. 3% Malbec. 13.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."
– Erin Larkin (Wine Advocate)

97 Points
"Blackcurrant, aniseed and camphor, dried roses, tobacco, cedar. It’s medium-bodied, a whole heap of energy here, plenty of ferrous tannin, a whole lot of gummy chew and dried rose, redcurrant, raspberry, blonde tobacco savoury input, a bright orange tang to acidity lending freshness and a crisp feel, with a robust finish of superb length. Here we have it. It’s superb and feels like essence of Clare Valley. Kind of like Wendouree, albeit a little more pricey. Still, hats off. This is super cool and next level. Yes."
– Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Jim Barry

Jim Barry Wines is a family affair in the Clare Valley.

Founded by one of SA's most influential wine figures, this producer has been one of the most acclaimed in the region since it began in 1974.

They focus primarily on traditional Clare Valley varieties, with a myriad of laser-sharp Rieslings, powerful Shiraz and intense Cabernet blends making up the foundations of the range. With a sprawling range including everything from super-premium to top value, they are considered a cornerstone of the Clare with classic wines that develop beautifully in the cellar given time.

Now, with the third generation of Barrys - Sam, Tom and Olivia - now in charge of the winemaking, marketing and business development, there is a new energy about the brand and there are plenty of exciting new things on the horizon.

Peter, Tom & Sam Barry - Clare Valley Jim Barry

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