"Opaque purple-red with a vibrant hue. Fresh blackcurrant fruit, a ripple of raspberry brightness and plenty of vanilla from 40% new American hogsheads, which also add grainy tannins. This helps to corset the wine into a medium-bodied, more athletic shape. - James Halliday"
- Halliday Wine Companion (July 23rd 2019), 93 pts
"Gorgeously fruited and fragrant, the bouquet shows dark fruit richness with seductive notes of vanilla, game, spice and cedar, which lead to a succulent palate that is plush and silky. It is gorgeously flavoursome with loads of tasty flavours, wonderfully supported by velvety texture and supple tannins. - Sam KIM"
- Wine Orbit, 94 pts
- Halliday Wine Companion, 95 pts
"The gamey scent of mataro stands behind this wine's spicy red cherry flavors. The fruit is sweet, but that ripeness is edged with high-toned acidity that extends those cherry flavors in a salty, spicy finish. Pour it with spicy braised pork shoulder. - Joshua Greene"
- Wine & Spirits (December 2020), 91 pts, YEARS BEST South Australia Mediterranean Wines
"Destemmed, pressed approximately 7 days later, 14 months in American oak (40% new). Rich, layered, mocha/chocolate overtones to the black berry fruits are obvious."
- Halliday Wine Companion (August 2020), 92 pts
"Spicy and juicy, big and bold, Thorn-Clarke has been slinging fine shiraz for years. The 2019 Shotfire is everything you expect from Barossa — abundant red and dark fruit flavors seasoned with baking spice and smooth tannins on the finish. There’s also abundant alcohol, but the wine manages to pull it off without tasting hot."
- The Washington Post (January 2022)
"This is an attractively spicy wine on the nose with red, blue and black berries all in play, as well as an earthy edge and tarry elements. Some perfume, too. The palate has quite a deep-set, blue and black-fruit core with a long, sturdy palate that holds flavor and focus well. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
- James Suckling (November 2021), 92 pts
