Thorn Clarke - Terra Barossa
Barossa Valley (Australia)

The Thorn-Clarke family
Ron Thorn, Cheryl Clarke (born Thorn), Sam Clarke, Brian Clarke and David Clarke.


Steve Machin and Fran Kysela
 Wine dinner Unwined - Boulevard Wood Grill, June 2005

The Vineyards
Terra Barossa pays tribute to the rich, fertile soils of the region which contribute to wines of such great character. The free draining soil structure combined with the continental climate of warm days and cool nights enables them to produce elegant wines with good varietal character.

The Wines

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2009 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Shiraz, Winemaker's Selection, Barossa 9/1.0L
#A0DD294040SZL
UPC code: 7 84585 01101 8
The 2009 vintage started a little earlier than usual due to a week of hot weather. Following this, the weather settled down to an extended spell of warm, dry days and cool nights. Some light rain in March provided much needed relief for thirsty vines, and resulted in the vintage finishing well - producing wines with excellent color and flavor.
The palate is rich and full with spicy plums and creamy oak. The tannins are fine and give the wine great length of flavor and a superb smooth mouthfeel. Pairs well with foods with richness and flavor such as meat based pasta dishes, red meats or hard cheese.

"This is a lush, full-bodied Barossa Shiraz at a bargain price. Hints of charred wood accent mixed berries and rich, chocolaty flavors. creamy on the finish, with mouthwatering acidity. Drink now - 2012 - JC"
- Wine Enthusiast (February 2012), 90 pts
BEST BUY

"Fresh and open-textured, appealing for its huckleberry and spice flavors, which linger on the refreshing finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made. –HS"
- Wine Spectator (June 30th 2011), 88 pts

"The 2009 Terra Barossa Winemakers Selection 1 Litre Shiraz gives a very deep garnet-purple color and aromas of warm black cherry and fruits of the forest with some allspice and a whiff of white pepper. Medium-full bodied with a medium level of grainy tannins, it’s generous with the mid-palate ripe fruit flesh and the finish is medium-long. Drinking now, it should remain fresh to 2014."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 2010), 87 pts

2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Shiraz, Winemaker's Selection, Barossa 9/1.0L
#A0DD294097SZL
UPC code: 7 84585 01101 8
Vinification: the grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in the fermenter, must is then pumped over twice daily to maximize color, tannin and flavor extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferments remain in the 22–25ºC range which will allow the wine to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing then occurs roughly seven days after crushing and the resulting wine is put into French and American oak.

The palate is rich and full with spicy plums and creamy oak. The tannins are fine and give the wine great length of flavor and a superb smooth mouthfeel. Pairs well with foods with richness and flavor such as meat based pasta dishes, red meats or hard cheese.

"The 2008 Terra Barossa Shiraz Winemaker’s Selection was aged in French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it is ripe, rich, yet light on its feet. Flavorful, layered, and well-balanced, it will evolve for 2-3 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2020. It is an outstanding value."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 09), 90 pts

"From the producers of the extremely popular Shotfire shiraz, this terrific wine screams out for burgers from the grill. It's inky, jammy, minty and fresh, and it actually gets better a day or two after opening."
- Washington Post (July 09)
VERY GOOD - GREAT VALUE

"Dark and a bit chewy, this is generous with its blackberry and cherry flavors, which pick up tobacco and prune notes on the finish. Drink now through 2012."
- Wine Spectator (Aug 09), 88 pts

National Retail Price: $15.99/ bottle

2010 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Shiraz, Barossa 12/750ml
#A0EE294111SZL
UPC code: 8 53065 00051 1
Vinification: the grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in the fermenter, must is then pumped over twice daily to maximize color, tannin and flavor extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferments remain in the 22–25ºC range which will allow the wine to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing then occurs roughly seven days after crushing and the resulting wine is put into French and American oak.

2009 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Shiraz, Barossa 12/750ml
#A0EE294067SZL
UPC code: 8 53065 00051 1
Vinification: the grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in the fermenter, must is then pumped over twice daily to maximize color, tannin and flavor extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferments remain in the 22–25ºC range which will allow the wine to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing then occurs roughly seven days after crushing and the resulting wine is put into French and American oak.

Deep red color. The wine is deep and rich smelling with dark fruits, plums, spice and oak. There is very rich fruit on the palate with plums, blackberry and sweet spice from the oak. The palate is vibrant and young with a flavorsome viscous mouthfeel which will develop complexity with time. There are some slightly chewy tannins which will soften with time ( and work at the dinner table) and there is great length of fruit flavor.
James Halliday (Australian Wine Companion), 89pts

2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Shiraz, Barossa 12/750ml
"The 2008 Terra Barossa Shiraz is opaque purple-colored. Aromas of pencil lead, pepper, violets, blackberry, and blueberry lead to a medium to full-bodied Shiraz with excellent depth and concentration, layered flavors, and a pure finish. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 5-7 years."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 09), 89 pts



National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

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#A0EE294113MRM
UPC code: 8 53065 00059 7
2009 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Merlot, 12/750ml
The wine was aged for 12 months in tight grain French and American oak.
Medium red in color. The nose is a lifted with attractive spice and mint. The palate is medium weight but full flavored with sweet plum and cherry fruits. The ripe tannins are typical of Merlot, being soft and slightly chalky and are well integrated. There wine finishes with amazing length of fruit cake and dark chocolate.
- James Halliday (Australian Wine Companion), 90pts

#A0EE294049MRM
UPC code: 8 53065 00059 7
2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Merlot, 12/750ml

"I am not a big fan of New World Merlot, but I must say I was shocked by how good the 2008 Terra Barossa Merlot turned out. Filled with notes of chocolate, coffee beans, black cherries, and black plums, it’s a full-bodied, opulently textured red displaying beautiful intensity, purity, and length. It is as good as a $40-$50 Merlot. Drink it over the next 2-3 years."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 89 pts
RECOMMENDED VALUE PICK

#A0EE294019MRM
UPC code: 8 53065 00059 7
2007 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Merlot, 12/750ml
Medium red in color. The nose is a lifted with attractive spice and mint. The palate is medium weight but full flavored with sweet plum and cherry fruits. The ripe tannins are typical of Merlot, being soft and slightly chalky and are well integrated. Their wine finishes with amazing length of fruit cake and dark chocolate.

89 pts - RED VALUE - Wine Advocate (Feb. 09)

2006 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Merlot, 12/750ml
"Bright medium red. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by dark chocolate and smoky minerals. Tangy red fruit flavors are vaguely sweet but firm, with some tangy minerality contributing spine. Really clings to the palate, finishing bright and lively. There's an awful lot of inferior merlot out there that sells for three times as much as this one."
- International Wine Cellar (Sept 2008), 89 pts

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

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UPC code: 8 53065 00057 3
2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Barossa Cuvée, 12/750ml
The wine is made from 54% Shiraz, 29%, Cabernet Sauvignon, 17%, Petit Verdot. It was aged for 12 months in French and American oak.

The wine is mid red color. It has a lifted blackberry fruit and toasty oak nose. The palate is medium weight but full of flavor with sweet berry and cherry fruit and some attractive spice and a splash of vanilla oak, adding complexity. The tannins are soft and smooth and contribute to the long length of the sweet fruit and vanilla.

"My favorite is the blend of 54% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 17% Petit Verdot, the full-bodied 2008 Terra Barossa Cuvee Terra Barossa. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by chocolate, blackberry, and blueberry fruit notes. Consumers will adore this inexpensive, delicious, full-flavored South Australian fruit bomb if they drink it over the next several years."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 90 pts
RECOMMENDED VALUE PICK

#A0EE294006BLL
UPC code: 8 53065 00057 3
2007 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Barossa Cuvée, 12/750ml
The grapes are crushed and destemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in fermenter and the ferments are pumped over twice daily to maximize color, tannin and flavor extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferments remain in the 22- 25 degrees Celcius range which will allow the fruit to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing then occurs approximately seven days after crushing and the wine is then put into predominately French oak to mature: 12 Months French and American Oak.
2007 vintage was a mild growing season with very low crops resulting in wines with good color and flavor that achieved optimum ripeness.

"The 2007 Terra Barossa Barossa Cuvee is a blend of 47% Shiraz, 29% Petit Verdot and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It spent 20 months in French and American oak, 20% new. Purple-colored, it delivers aromas of spice box, cedar, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, it has good flesh, ripe flavors, and enough structure to drink well for another 5-6 years."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 09), 87 pts



National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

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shelf talker

#A0EE294063CSL
UPC code: 8 53065 00065 8
2009 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Importer's Reserve, Barossa 12/750ml
The 2009 vintage started a little earlier than usual due to a week of hot weather. Following this, the weather settled down to an extended spell of warm, dry days and cool nights. Some light rain in March provided much needed relief for thirsty vines, and resulted in the vintage -nishing well – producing wines with excellent color and flavor.

The grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into open fermenters. Yeast is added immediately and the grape must pumped over twice daily to maximise colour, tannin and flavor extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferment temperatures remain in the 22-25 degrees Celsius range, which allows the fruit to display maximum fruit expression. Pressing occurs approximately seven days after crushing and the -nished wine is then put into predominately French oak to mature. 12 months in primarily French oak, with approximately 20 % new oak.

Medium to deep red. The nose has great lift and intensity with a complex mix of cherry ripe, cream bun, blackberries, liquorice and red currant. The palate is medium weight with rich ripe fruit including blackcurrant and strawberry yogurt like characters; these are nicely balanced with some spicy oak. The wine finishes with some graphite like tannins and good length of sweet fruit.

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#A0EE294022CSL
UPC code: 8 53065 00065 8
2007 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Importer's Reserve, Barossa 12/750ml
Aged in 100% French oak.
On his annual visit Fran Kysela selects the very best of the Cabernet Sauvignon parcels located near Angaston.
Deep red in color. The lifted nose is a complex mixture of lush blackcurrant fruit, liquorice and dark chocolate oak. The palate starts off with rich blackberry fruit and Satsuma plums. The seamlessly integrated oak then appears offering rich mocha and the sweet Indian spices of live cloves. The oak and tannins combine to offer a rich and rounded mouthfeel, leading to a long and flavorsome finish. 

"The 2007 Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon Importer’s Reserve adds richness, structure, and a darker spectrum of fruit to the mix. It will evolve for 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2019."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 09), 89 pts

#A0EE294025CSL
UPC code: 8 53065 00065 8
2006 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Importer's Reserve, Barossa 12/750ml
Aged in 100% French oak.
On his annual visit Fran Kysela selects the very best of the Cabernet Sauvignon parcels located near Angaston.
Deep red in color. The lifted nose is a complex mixture of lush blackcurrant fruit, liquorice and dark chocolate oak. The palate starts off with rich blackberry fruit and Satsuma plums. The seamlessly integrated oak then appears offering rich mocha and the sweet Indian spices of live cloves. The oak and tannins combine to offer a rich and rounded mouthfeel, leading to a long and flavorsome finish. 

"Ruby-red. Peppery red- and blackcurrant aromas show very good clarity and become more floral with air. Medium-bodied red berry and cherry tart flavors are underscored by zesty minerality. The tannins are deftly woven into the tangy fruit and only make their presence felt on the back end. An energetic cabernet with very good finishing lift and length. This would be ideal with a spicy piece of grilled lamb."
- International Wine Cellar (Sept 2008), 90 pts

“Round and open-textured, showing real clarity to the red cherry, currant and plum fruit, delicately shaded with hints of herbs and spice. The fruit whooshes through the finish. Best from 2009 through 2013.”
- Wine Spectator (Sept 2008), 89 pts


National Retail Price: $19.99 / bottle

shelf talker

2009 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa 12/750ml
UPC code: 8 53065 00052 8
The wine was aged for 12 months in primarily French Oak (about 20 % new oak).
Medium to deep red. The nose has great lift and intensity with a complex mix of cherry ripe, blackberries, liquorice and red current. The palate is medium weight with rich ripe fruit including blackcurrant and dried strawberry notes, which are nicely balanced with some spicy oak. The wine finishes with some fine tannins and good length of sweet fruit.

"A great Value, Thorn Clarke's 2009 Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon boasts bold aromas of cedar, cassis and mint, then follows up with similar flavors. It's medium to full in body, with firm tannins and mouthwatering acidity that make it drinkable now but suggest it may age nicely though 2020.- JC"
- Wine Enthusiast (February 2012), 90 pts
BEST BUY

"Ripe, focused and appealing for its deft balance, offering cherry character, with hints of mint in a flavor profile that keeps singing harmoniously on the long finish. Drink now through 2015. 4,500 cases made. –HS"
- Wine Spectator (June 30th 2011), 88 pts

"Deep garnet-purple colored, 2009 Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon gives notes of warm black currants and blueberries with a whiff of dried mint and some underbrush. Very crisp in the mouth, it has a medium-full body and medium-firm grippy tannins, finishing medium-long. Drink it now through 2014."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 2010), 87 pts

2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa 12/750ml
UPC code: 8 53065 00052 8
The wine was aged for 12 months in primarily French Oak (about 20 % new oak).
Medium to deep red. The nose has great lift and intensity with a complex mix of cherry ripe, blackberries, liquorice and red current. The palate is medium weight with rich ripe fruit including blackcurrant and dried strawberry notes, which are nicely balanced with some spicy oak. The wine finishes with some fine tannins and good length of sweet fruit.

"The 2008 Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of cedarwood, spice box, black currants, and coffee. Dense, rich, medium to full-bodied, and slightly more monolithic than either the Cuvee Terra Barossa or Terra Barossa Merlot, it represents a very good bargain in delicious Cabernet. It should drink nicely for 4-5 years."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 88 pts
RECOMMENDED VALUE PICK

2007 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa 12/750ml
#A0EE294091CSL
UPC code: 8 53065 00052 8
The color is a deep purple red. The nose is lifted and distinctive of Cabernet Sauvignon with blackcurrant and spicy French oak. The palate is medium to full bodied with lovely sweet rich fruit characters, predominantly mulberry and cherry. This fruit makes the palate attractive and approachable and combined with the soft velvety tannins gives the wine silkiness and great length.

"The purple-colored 2007 Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon offers up a nice mouthful of spicy fruit. Sage, rosemary, coffee, and black currant aromas are followed by a juicy, ripe, easy-going wine with soft tannins, good balance, and a lengthy finish. It, too, will offer pleasure over the next 5-6 years."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 09), 88 pts

International Wine Challenge, London
SILVER MEDAL


National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

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UPC code: 7 84585 01108 7
#A1DD294061CHS
2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Chardonnay, Eden Valley 9/1.0Liter
This vineyard is located at Mt Crawford (Eden Valley), one of South Australia's consistently coolest grape growing sites.

2008 was a very warm year with harvest being completed in a very short period. The resultant wines from the vintage reflect the growing conditions with loads of upfront fruit and rich mouthfeel, meaning wines from this vintage will have a great deal of aging potential as well.

Crushed, destemmed and then pressed using a membrane press. Pressings were not used. Fermented using French Yeast at 12-15 degrees Celsius. The ferment was kept slow and cool to retain all the natural flavors of the grape. the wine was then racked and filtered. Bottling took place soon afterwards so the wine was a true expression of the grape and the terroir from which it was made.

The wine is a light straw color. The nose displays some complexity with citrus fruits, some barrel ferment characters and struck match. This is a medium weight wine with melon fruit and citrus characters balanced nicely with good acidity. There is some oatmeal like characters contributing to the rich mouthfeel. The wine finishes with good length of citrus fruits.

"This crisp white offers nicely focused citrus and green apple flavors, hinting at spice as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2011. "
- Wine Spectator (Nov. 09), 88 pts

National Retail Price: $15.99 / bottle

UPC code: 8 53065 00053 5
#A1EE294037RSS
2009 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Chardonnay, Eden Valley 12/750ml
This vineyard is located at Mt Crawford (Eden Valley), one of South Australia's consistently coolest grape growing sites.

2009 Vintage was fantastic for whites at our high altitude Mt Crawford vineyard in the Eden Valley. Due to its elevation the growing season had mild to warm days and quite cool nights, leading to wines with good fruit and clean balanced acidity.

Crushed, destemmed and then pressed using a membrane press. Pressings were not used. Fermented using French Yeast at 12-15 degrees Celsius. The ferment was kept slow and cool to retain all the natural flavors of the grape. the wine was then racked and filtered. Bottling took place soon afterwards so the wine was a true expression of the grape and the terroir from which it was made.

The wine is a pale straw color. The nose is clean and elegant with white peach and blossom notes. This is a medium weight wine with peach, pear and citrus notes. The palate is well textured and mouth filling due to the wine being partially fermented on French oak and aged on lees. There are also of nutty oak and roasted nut character in the wine. The wine finishes with good length of citrus fruits.

2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Chardonnay, Eden Valley
"The 2008 Terra Barossa Chardonnay is medium straw-colored with an alluring nose of toast, citrus, melon, and pear with a hint of tropical fruits in the background. Tasty, ripe, and forward on the palate, this lively Chardonnay will offer pleasure over the next 2 years. It is worth the $2 premium."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 09), 87 pts

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

2009 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Riesling, Eden Valley 12/750ml
#A1EE294031RSS
UPC code: 8 53065 00054 2
Crushed, destemmed and then pressed using a membrane press. Pressings were not used. Fermented using French Yeast at 12-15 degrees Celcius. The ferment was kept slow and cool to retain all the natural flavors of the grape. The wine was then racked and filtered. Bottling took place soon afterwards so the wine was a true expression of the grape and the terroir from which it was made.

The wine is pale straw in color. The nose is bright and lifted with lime juice, perfumed floral notes and honeysuckle characters. The palate is crisp, clean with vibrant, zingy lemon zest flavors combined with a hint of lime leaf. There is good mouthfeel, balanced with citrus fruits and natural acidity.

2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Riesling, Eden Valley 12/750ml
#A1EE294095RSS
UPC code: 8 53065 00054 2
Crushed, destemmed and then pressed using a membrane press. Pressings were not used. Fermented using French Yeast at 12-15 degrees Celcius. The ferment was kept slow and cool to retain all the natural flavors of the grape. The wine was then racked and filtered. Bottling took place soon afterwards so the wine was a true expression of the grape and the terroir from which it was made.
The wine is a very pale straw with a green tinge. The nose has lifted lemon sherbet and a lime fragrance. The palate is medium bodied with subtle and elegant sweet lemon fruit. Combined with the clean racy acid the flavor builds in the mouth and results in a long finish of intense fruit with lime and lemon rind.

International Wine Challenge, London
BRONZE MEDAL

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle

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#A1EE294005PGS
UPC code: 8 53065 00055 9
2008 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Pinot Grigio, Eden Valley 12/750ml
2008 was a very warm year with harvest being completed in a very short period. The resultant wines from the vintage reflect the growing conditions with loads of upfront fruit and rich mouthfeel, meaning wines from this vintage will have a great deal of aging potential as well.

Vinification: Crushed, destemmed and then pressed using a membrane press. Pressings were not used. Fermented using French Yeast at 12-15 degrees Celcius. The ferment was kept slow and cool to retain all the natural flavors of the grape. The wine was then racked and filtered. Bottling took place soon afterwards so the wine was a true expression of the grape and the terroir from which it was made.

The color is mid straw. The nose shows lifted fruits with subtle notes of pear and almonds. The palate is medium bodied with Nashi pears and apple puree. There is a lovely richness and viscosity which can be attributed to the extended time on yeast. The wine finishes clean and crisp with great length of fruit.

"The 2008 Terra Barossa Pinot Gris is medium straw-colored with a slight amber tinge. It offers up aromas of tangerine and tropical scents leading to a ripe, crisp, just off-dry, balanced wine with good length. Drink it over the next 3 years."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 09), 87 pts

National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle