2021 Jim Barry Clarevale Cabernet Malbec

97 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

On the upside, this is less expensive than the Jim Barry Armagh, but gee, it’s better. So much so. Blackcurrant, aniseed and camphor, dried roses, tobacco, cedar. It’s medium-bodied, a whole heap of energy here, plenty of ferrous tannin, a whole lot of gummy chew and dried rose, redcurrant, raspberry, blonde tobacco savoury input, a bright orange tang to acidity lending freshness and a crisp feel, with a robust finish of superb length. Here we have it. It’s superb and feels like essence of Clare Valley. Kind of like Wendouree, albeit a little more pricey. Still, hats off. This is super cool and next level. Yes.

97 POINTS

David Sly - Decanter

This blend pays homage to the mighty red wine foundations on which Clare winemaking was built, with an unashamed nod to the classic wines of Wendouree. Constructed with elite grape parcels from a superior vintage, its lively wrestle of components shows Malbec’s rich florals riding atop bright red Cabernet berries, with a hint of menthol at the seams. Going for leanness and elegance rather that heft, luscious redcurrant, raspberry and blackberry fruitiness fills the front-palate, but then Malbec edges its way to centre stage, shaping a rounded mid-palate savouriness with a spicy tingle that drives with purpose and vigour. Fine-grained, pliable Cabernet tannins shape the finish, with notes of aniseed, camphor, tobacco and dried orange peel helping to chisel an intriguing yet crisp finish.

96 POINTS

Mike Bennie - Halliday Wine Companion

Clarevale enters the fray alongside Armagh as top of the tree wine for Jim Barry Wines. Poised, elegant, refined. Superlatives galore. So fragrant, so svelte, such wonderful, beautiful texture. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, clove and eucalyptus with anise and all spice chiming in. The palate similarly flavoured with ribbons of ultrafine, granite-mineral tannin, slightly ferrous, teasing the wine out to its impossibly long and fine finish. Magnificent wine.

95 POINTS

James Suckling

Blackcurrants, blueberries, blue flowers and chocolate orange on the nose of this creamy and full-bodied red. It’s silky and engaging with berry-soaked tannins accompanying the sweet fruit, giving a gentle focus and following through to a long, fresh and caressing finish.