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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
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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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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
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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.
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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shelf talker
shelf talker
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UPC code: 8 53065 00059 7
2008 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.
#A0EE294019SZL
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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shelf talker
shelf talker /
case card
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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.
#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 Fench
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 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.
"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
#A0EE294026BLL
UPC code: 8 53065 00057 3
2006 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Barossa Cuvée,
12/750ml
47% Shiraz, 29% Petit Verdot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8%
Cabernet Franc.
The 2006 vintage had a mild and long ripening season. These
conditions favored the accumulation of intense color and flavors
in the red grapes.
Vinification:
the grapes are crushed and de-stemmed into fermenters. Yeast is added immediately once in the
fermenter,
the must is then 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
predominantly American oak to mature. Aged for 12 months in a
combination of French and American oak. 20% new oak.
Deep red in color. The rich inviting nose is a complex mixture
of plummy fruits with sweet spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. The
medium to full bodied palate shows mouthfilling rich Satsuma
plums, blackberry and liquorice. The firm yet approachable
tannins will allow the wine to develop beautifully in the
bottle for up to five years.
89 pts - RED VALUE - Wine Advocate (Feb. 09)
"Deep
ruby. Ripe blackberry and plum aromas are complemented by dark
chocolate and roasted espresso. Round, pliant dark berry
flavors verge on liqueur-like but are given energy by gentle
back-end acidity. Finishes smooth, sweet and moderately
persistent. This packs a serious dark berry punch."
- International Wine Cellar (Sept 2008), 87 pts
#A0EE29424
UPC code: 8 53065 00057 3
2005 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Barossa Cuvée,
12/750ml
Cedar, berry fruits, and spice on the nose
are complemented on the palate by soft tannins and excellent
length. Given time in the bottle this wine will develop into a
wine of class and exceptional character. It is an elegant full
flavored wine
displaying rich fruit characters. This wine
would make a fabulous accompaniment to red meats, pastas, a
roast or enjoy on its own.
Drinking well now but will respond to 3-5 years
cellaring.
"Supple, round and distinctive for its violet-tinged
currant and dusky spice flavors, lingering effectively against
refined tannins. Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2013."
- Wine Spectator (July 2007), 90 pts
"Ruby-red.
Vibrant blackberry- and cassis-scented nose, with complicating
spicecake and licorice notes. Deep, sweet and chewy, with
impressively energetic red and dark berry flavors gently
lifted by fresh acidity. Softly tannic on the finish, which is
nicely juicy and focused for this price point. This offers
excellent value."
- International Wine Cellar (July/Aug 2007), 88 pts
National
Retail Price: $14.99 /
bottle
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shelf talker
shelf talker
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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
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shelf talker
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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.
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
2006 Thorn-Clarke, Terra Barossa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa
12/750ml
#A0EE294094CSL
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.
National
Retail Price: $14.99 /
bottle
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shelf
talker /
case card
shelf
talker /
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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
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bottle
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UPC code: 8 53065 00053 5
#A1EE294061RSS
2008 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.
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 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.
"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
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bottle
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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
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shelf talker / case
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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
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