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Shotfire GSM
Thorn Clarke
Australia - South Australia - Barossa Valley

The Shotfire range honors a family pioneer who worked the Barossa goldfields in the late 1800's. He had the hazardous job of being a 'Shotfirer'; one who handled the explosives to be used in finding that rich vein of gold.

A classic blend of the traditional stalwarts from the Barossa, this blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre is sourced from older low yielding vines.

Bright crimson in color with purple highlights at the edge of the glass.  The nose is lifted and draws you in with ripe plum, mulberry and white pepper.  The palate is plush and vibrant with cherries, forest fruits and enticing spice. As silky and smooth as it is complex and savory - the wine is beautifully balanced and juicy with great structure and generous mouthfeel. This classic GSM finishes with long, velvety tannins.

Specifications
Appellation
Barossa Valley
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
51% Grenache, 39% Shiraz, 10% Mourvedre
Age of vines
40 years on average
Vinification
Each variety was destemmed and fermented separately - in small 6 tonne open fermenters - to allow full expression of varietal character. To ensure optimum extraction of tannins, color and flavor the Grenache was pumped over twice daily for a duration of 10 days and both the Shiraz and Mourvedre spent 7 days on skins with pump overs twice daily. Fermentation temperatures were maintained between 22-25 degrees to retain fruit purity. All batches were pressed off and once both primary alcoholic fermentation and secondary malolactic fermentation were complete the wines were then racked to new (10%) and 10 year old French hogsheads where the wines matured for a period of 18 months. Bench blends were created to ensure a harmonious final wine.
Production
1,245 (9-liter cases)
Pairings

Slow Cooked Lamb or Roasted Vegetable Medley

Reviews and News

2020 Shotfire GSM - 93 PTS - W&S

2020 Shotfire GSM - 93 PTS - W&S

wine and spirits logo 250"A generous Barossa red, this is gentle to the touch, impressive in the 2020 vintage. Blending grenache and shiraz with a little mataro, this starts of in the grip of the tarry tannins, then opens to floral fruit, the tannins and fruit seamlessly melted, like the taste of peppery strawberries. Pour it with lamb burgers. - Joshua GREENE"

- Wine & Spirits (Spring 2024), 93 pts , Best Buy

2020 Shotfire GSM - 92 PTS - GOLD MEDAL - Mundus Vini

2020 Shotfire GSM - 92 PTS - GOLD MEDAL - Mundus Vini

mundus vini 2023 gold medalThe 33rd MUNDUS VINI International Wine Award came to an end on Sunday, September 3 2023, with a total of 1,676 award-winning wines.

Almost 140 international wine experts travelled to the four-day tasting in Neustadt an der Weinstraße Germany.

- MUNDUS VINI International Wine Award (November 2023), Gold Medal

 

2018 Shotfire GSM - 91 PTS - W&S

2018 Shotfire GSM - 91 PTS - W&S

wine and spirits logo 250"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."

- Wine & Spirits (February 2021), 91 pts , Best Buy, Year's Best South Australian Varieties.

 

Producer Information: Thorn Clarke

The name Thorn-Clarke represents the union between two families with deep roots in the Barossa Valley and six generations of grape growing. Cheryl Clarke’s (née Thorn) family were some of ...
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