Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2021
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2021 is a dry, full-bodied red from Syrah (South Australia, Australia), in the full, structured reds style. Tannins are firm and acidity moderate; oak influence is some. Good with steak, lamb, beef stew, barbecue. Drink within 20 years (to about 2041). Decant for about 2 hours. Critic score 94/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewer Clifton Ex Post Facto Syrah 2019 Brewer-Clifton · Yarra Valley | £32.00 | |||
| Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2022 Penfolds · South Australia | £29.83 | |||
| Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2023 Penfolds · South Australia | £29.83 | |||
| Tyrrell's Single Vineyard Old Hillside Shiraz 2019 Tyrrell's Wines · Other Australia | £34.75 |
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours before serving. The McRae Wood begins with dark, wild aromas of blackberry, plum, wet earth, leather and eucalyptus. It is stunningly dark, verging on black, and was crafted from the finest parcels of Barry-family-owned vineyards in Clare Valley. It was a groundbreaking wine when it was first released in 1992 and continues to set the benchmark for premium Southern Australian Shiraz to this day. The winery was built by Jim Barry during the 1960s, who along with his wife, Nancy, became a vital character in the burgeoning Clare Valley winemaking scene. The Barry name has become almost synonymous with the region, and its reputation is carried on by Nancy and Jim’s son, Peter, and the third generation of Barry winemakers, Sam, Tom and Olivia. McRae Wood is an inky purple colour in the glass, reflecting its potent character. You can discover swirling notes of cassis, plum and red currant, supported by savoury hints of cedar, cinnamon, and clove. It has a personality that can stand up to extended cellaring, with young, grippy tannins and a taut line of acidity. It has a long finish, replete with dark spices. Consider pairing McRae Wood with roasted eggplant, a fine steak, or tender lamb.