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Shotfire Shiraz
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.

Fran shares his story on how he discovered Thorn-Clarke:
     "It was October 2001 and I was searching for and sourcing for Australian wines, as it was clear that Australia was going to become the "next big thing." After tasting about 100 assorted wines, I decided I liked the style of Barossa, Shiraz best - chocolate, cherries, mint and eucalyptus - so I started focusing on Barossa growers (years later, Barossa Shiraz would develop its reputation as the Icon Shiraz for Australia).
     Late on a Thursday afternoon, the carrier delivered a beat-up box of 12 bottles from Australia, 10 of which were leaking. The box was from a guy named Steve Machin, who had just left Hardy's and was beginning work with the Clarke family on setting up a possible new brand. The samples were sticky and messy, but I popped the corks anyway ..... and I was glad that I did. The wine inside tasted like Christmas - mint, eucalyptus, camphor, and evergreen aromas. Great acidity, color, flavor and length of finish - very tasty. These samples were so good and so exciting, especially compared to what I had tasted prior, that I immediately called the number on the card. I didn't realize that it was a Perth number (Western Australia) and it was actually 3:00 in the morning. It turned out I was calling the residence of David and Cheryl Clarke, where a sleepy Cheryl answered the phone. I told her, you don't know who I am, but we are going to be doing business together very soon, and lots of it! After a few months of talking, faxing (yes, faxing) and sorting out the details, I began importing their wines.
     That super-star wine from the busted box of samples is the wine we know today as Shotfire Shiraz. It was originally called Stone Jar, but fortunately we came up with a better name. Many years and vintages later, I'm still glad to be importing Shotfire Shiraz and other Thorn-Clarke selections .... and I'm still glad that Cheryl Clarke woke up for that phone call."

Striking deep red-purple in color. A rich, voluptuous wine with aromas of blackcurrant and mulberries accompanied by notes of smokey oak and hints of cloves. The palate is filled with dark fruits and chocolate backed up by taut tannins and lingering oak.

Specifications
Appellation
Barossa Valley
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
100% Shiraz
Vinification
The grapes were de-stemmed into fermenters. Ferments were pumped over twice daily to maximise colour, tannin and flavour extraction. Cooling is used to ensure ferments remain in the 22-25 degree celcius range which allows maximum fruit expression in the wine. Pressing occurs approximately seven days after fermentation commences and the wine is then filled to American oak to mature (14 months in 40% new American hogsheads with the balance going into 2nd and 3rd fill barrels).
Pairings

Grilled meat, grilled vegetables, strong cheese as well. Also delicious with dark chocolate.

Reviews and News

2019 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 94 PTS - TP

2019 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 94 PTS - TP

tasting panel logo"Shotfire refers to 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. Sourced from two Barossa Valley vineyards, it is aged for 14 months in American oak. Aromas of mulberry along with salted and cured meats leave an intrigue ahead for that first sip. White pepper, dried lavender, and Italian herbs season rich, ripe plum. Juicy and fragrant all the way, with dark chocolate mint, roses, and a deep dive into a graphite core. The finish of cinnamon-cocoa cedar is mesmerizing."

- The Tasting Panel (November/December 2021), 94 pts

2019 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - JS

2019 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - JS

james suckling hq logo plain"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

2019 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - ***Extraordinary - WP

2019 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - ***Extraordinary - WP

wplogo"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)

2018 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - HWC

2018 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - HWC

halliday logo"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

2018 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 91 PTS - W&S

2018 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 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. - Joshua Greene"
- Wine & Spirits (December 2020), 91 pts, YEARS BEST South Australia Mediterranean Wines

2017 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 95 PTS - HWC

2017 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 95 PTS - HWC

halliday logo"Good color; an immaculately balanced and elegant medium-bodied shiraz, benefiting from the cool vintage that has blown freshness into so many wines. Blackberry and red cherry both in the ring. - James Halliday"

- Halliday Wine Companion, 95 pts

2017 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 94 PTS - Wine Orbit

2017 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 94 PTS - Wine Orbit

wine orbit logo"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

2016 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 93 PTS - HWC

2016 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 93 PTS - HWC

halliday logo"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

2016 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 91 PTS - WA

2016 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 91 PTS - WA

wa91"Ripe, dark-fruited and sexy, the 2016 Shotfire Shiraz spent 14 months in American oak (40% new). Blackberries, cola and baking spices pick up hints of vanilla, while the full-bodied palate offers soft supple tannins and a long finish. - Joe Czerwinski"

- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 238, August 31st 2018), 91 pts

2015 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - BEST BUY - W&S

2015 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - BEST BUY - W&S

wine and spirits logo 250"The Clarke family farms 670 acres of vines in the Barossa and Eden valleys, which provide most of the fruit for its wines,including this blend from three vineyards. Shotfire isn't particularly complex, but it's satisfying and it hews to a classical profile of Barossa Shiraz: With scents of baking spices against earthy red fruit, this feels markedly cool and brisk. Decant it for flank steak or sautéed calf's liver with onions."

- Wine & Spirits Magazine (2017), 92 pts - BEST BUY - Year's Best Australian Shiraz

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2015 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 91 PTS - VINOUS

2015 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 91 PTS - VINOUS

vinous logo 250"Youthful purple. Smoky blackberry, cherry cola and spicecake aromas show very good vivacity and clarity. Lush and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering juicy black and blue fruit preserve flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Shows impressive energy and supple tannins on the finish, which leaves juicy blueberry and peppery spice notes behind. - Josh Raynolds"
- Vinous (Australia Brings the Brawn and the Beauty, October 2017), 91 pts

Go to Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley

2015 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - WS

2015 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - WS

wine spectator 90 pts"Smoke, sandalwood and white pepper notes add aromatic complexity to the core flavors of plump plum, cherry and black currant. Generous and harmonious, with velvety tannins lingering. Drink now through 2027. 12,000 cases made. –MW"

- Wine Spectator (June 15th 2017), 90 pts

Go to Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley

2014 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - WS

2014 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - WS

wine spectator 90 pts"Offers fresh spearmint overtones to the chocolate-laced plum and black cherry flavors. Features fleshy tannins and plenty of gusto on the finish. Drink now through 2026. 18,000 cases made. –MW"

- Wine Spectator (June 15th 2016), 90 pts

Go to Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley

2014 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - VINOUS

2014 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - VINOUS

vinous logo 250"Glass-staining ruby. Musky dark berry, cherry pit and candied licorice on the nose; a subtle floral quality gains strength with air. Plush cherry and dark berry compote flavors show good depth and breadth and gain sweetness and a smoky mocha quality on the back half. Finishes on a gently tannic note, featuring a repeating dark fruit note and very good, sweet persistence. - Josh Raynolds"
- Vinous (Australia Brings the Brawn and the Beauty, October 2017), 90 pts

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2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 95 PTS - AWC

2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 95 PTS - AWC

"jhawc logo 250Champing at the bit to show off its sweet, jubey fruit but chains of herb-shot tannin keep the class in order. There is no doubting this is a beautiful wine to drink. It sits on the cusp of jamminess, all jellied and blackberried, its hints of raspberry and mint simply ramping the deliciousness higher. Value, what value. - James Halliday

- Australia Wine Companion (Issue 2016), 95 pts

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2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - WE

2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 92 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 92 pts"Savvy shoppers may be able to find this for about $20, making it an excellent deal in a full-bodied, structured red wine. Cassis, vanilla and plum notes mark the nose and palate, finishing with a flourish of dusty-textured tannins.
Drink now - 2025. - J.C."
- Wine Enthusiast (June 2016), 92 pts - EDITORS' CHOICE

Go to Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley

2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - WS

2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - WS

wine spectator 90 pts"Supple, polished and expressive, with black olive-scented blackberry and cumin flavors, finishing with a creamy texture. Drink now through 2019. 12,000 cases made. –HS"

- Wine Spectator (November 15th 2015), 90 pts

Go to Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley

2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - VINOUS

2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 90 PTS - VINOUS

vinous logo 250"(raised for 14 months in American oak hogsheads, 40% new): Vivid purple. Assertive aromas of ripe dark berries, cola and licorice pastille, with suggestions of mocha and violet building in the glass. Broad and supple on the palate, offering appealing sweet cassis and floral pastille flavors and a touch of cola. Shows real verve and solid thrust on a long, floral finish framed by gentle, harmonious tannins. - Josh Raynolds"
- Vinous (March 2016), 90 pts

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2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 89 PTS - WINE VALUE - WA

2013 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 89 PTS - WINE VALUE - WA

wa89"The 2013 Shotfire Shiraz, always a hugely successful wine with consumers, is 100% Shiraz aged 14 months in a combination of different sized barrels, but primarily American oak. The wine has a deep ruby/purple color and loads of chocolate, pepper, blackberry and cassis. It is loaded, chunky, fleshy, well-made and pure. Drink it over the next 3-4 years."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 89 pts - Excellent Wine Values for Under $25

Go to Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley

2012 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 91 PTS - IWC

2012 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley - 91 PTS - IWC

tanzer iwc 91 pts"Bright purple. Sexy cassis, blackberry and vanilla aromas are complemented by hints of peppery spices, licorice and mocha. Fleshy and broad on the palate, offering intense dark berry flavors, a touch of spicecake and very good depth. The licorice and cassis notes repeat on the energetic, youthfully tannic finish."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (July / August 2014), 91 pts

Go to Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Barossa Valley

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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