Jim Barry The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2018

Region and Vineyards

This wine hails from Clare Valley, a celebrated yet compact wine region in South Australia, renowned for its Shiraz and Riesling. Though it represents less than 1.5% of the country’s wine output, Clare Valley boasts some of Australia’s most distinctive and long-lived reds. The region’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, combined with rolling hills and ideal winter rainfall, creates optimal conditions for balanced ripening.

The McRae Wood vineyard was established in 1964, when Jim Barry purchased 70 acres from Duncan McRae Wood and planted Shiraz—a decision that would define the estate's future. The vineyard, entirely estate-grown, is now iconic within Clare, embodying both the terroir’s purity and the family’s pioneering spirit.

Winemaking

The 2018 vintage is made from 100% Shiraz, estate-grown and hand-selected. Fermentation and maceration techniques were carefully managed to enhance structure and fruit definition, while preserving aromatic integrity.

The wine spent 12 months in French oak, which contributes finesse and framing spice without dominating the fruit. It was bottled at 14.3% alcohol, with 7.0 g/L total acidity and a pH of 3.4—a composition that underscores its aging potential and tension.

Winemakers Tom Barry and Ben Marx crafted this vintage with a focus on purity and longevity. The wine is best served at 16–18°C and is expected to age gracefully until at least 2037.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Inky, near-black core with a deep garnet rim.
• Aroma: Brooding bouquet of black berries, black forest cake, and dark spice. Subtle notes of anise and charred wood add complexity.
• Palate: Rich and tightly coiled, with a driving core of black forest fruit and spice. Youthful tannins provide structure and focus, leading to a persistent, savoury finish. Built for long-term cellaring.

Did you know?

The McRae Wood Shiraz marks a significant turning point in Jim Barry’s legacy—it was the first vineyard he planted in Clare Valley, and its success helped establish the region’s reputation for premium Shiraz. The wine was first released in 1992, and each vintage since has been a reflection of both place and family vision.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Dry-aged ribeye steak: The wine’s tannin structure complements the richness and texture of grilled red meat.
• Venison with juniper and blackcurrant jus: A wild, gamey match that mirrors the wine’s spice and dark fruit depth.
• Roasted duck with plum glaze: The sweet-savory contrast enhances the wine’s black fruit and oak nuance.
• Mature cheddar or clothbound aged Gouda: Firm, salty cheeses provide a satisfying counterpoint to the wine’s bold presence.

History of Jim Barry Wines Estate

Jim Barry was the first professionally qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating in 1947 and dedicating his life to advancing the region’s winemaking. After years with the Clarevale Co-operative, Jim and Nancy acquired their first vineyard, the Burton Cottage Estate, and began planting. In 1968, they established The Armagh vineyard, where Jim planted Shiraz that would later become the source of the winery’s flagship wine. Over the decades, Jim Barry Wines has achieved a series of industry firsts, including becoming the first Australian winery to plant Assyrtiko in 2012, sourcing cuttings from the Greek island of Santorini.

After Jim Barry’s passing, his son Peter Barry took over management, with his children Tom, Sam, and Olivia now holding key roles within the company. This dedication to family legacy has helped Jim Barry Wines earn prestigious accolades, including the 2020 Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion and an Exceptional rating for The Armagh Shiraz in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley is a premier winemaking region situated at the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Known for its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and unique soils, the region produces less than 1% of Australia’s total wine output but is celebrated for premium Shiraz and Riesling. Jim Barry Wines manages a mosaic of 17 vineyard sites over 320 hectares, each chosen for its unique soil, elevation, and climate profile.

Among the winery’s notable sites are:

• The Armagh Vineyard: Known for producing Shiraz of exceptional depth, planted on northwest-facing slopes with sandy clay and mottled clay subsoils.
• The Florita Vineyard: Located in Watervale, this historic site produces the Florita Riesling and boasts unique loam and calcareous soils ideal for high-acid Riesling.
• The Lodge Hill Vineyard: Located on the eastern ranges, it grows Riesling on south-facing slopes and Shiraz on north-facing slopes, enhancing both variety and terroir expression.

Wine Range

Jim Barry Wines offers a broad portfolio of varietals and styles, notably Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with pioneering the Assyrtiko grape in Australia. Their wine range includes:

• The Armagh Shiraz: A celebrated single-vineyard Shiraz with global acclaim, noted for its depth and aging potential.
• The Florita Riesling: Crafted from historic vines, this Riesling is a benchmark of Watervale’s bright acidity and minerality.
• The McRae Wood Shiraz: Known for its intensity and elegance, this Shiraz reflects the terroir of Clare Valley’s prime Shiraz-growing sites.
• Assyrtiko: Australia’s first commercial release of Assyrtiko, capturing the vibrant acidity and minerality of this Greek variety.

Did you know?

Jim Barry Wines’ The Armagh Shiraz achieved the prestigious Exceptional status in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, equivalent to a “Grand Cru” rating. Additionally, Jim Barry Wines pioneered Assyrtiko in Australia, sourcing vines from Santorini, a groundbreaking introduction that reflects the Barry family’s commitment to innovation and diversity in winemaking.