[question] Question from Bruce Peucker, Australia. Can you advise which red grapes that the Clare Valley is noted for making to a reasonably consistent high standard and perhaps some recent examples, please? [/question] [answer] Clare is traditionally known for its shiraz, plus its idiosyncratic, but typically long-living blends of cabernet sauvignon and malbec. Many of the region’s makers still produce this blend, in particularly Leasingham (with its Bin 56) and Wendouree, which also makes a terrific blend of shiraz and malbec. Clare Valley shiraz varies in weight and style between Jim Barry’s sumptuous and ultra-ripe The Armagh Shiraz and the finer, more fragrant and spicy The Aberfeldy from Tim Adams. Annie’s Lane’s Copper Trail shiraz is densely fruited, dark and mineral, with a tightness and focus. Kilikanoon favours a denser, more opulent expression for its very polished shirazes under its Oracle and Covenant labels. Personally, I enjoy Clare’s mid-market shirazes of spice and body, especially from makers like Mitchell, Sevenhill and Knappstein, which tend to punch well above their price. Keep an eye out for Clare’s recent efforts with tempranillo, including Tim Adams Reserve Tempranillo and the minty little effort from Ingham’s Skilly Ridge. [/answer]
