Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz Cellar Release 2018

96 POINTS

James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion

A very impressive wine at this price: the colour deep and bright, the expressive bouquet with earthy/spicy nuances to black fruits. The medium-bodied palate has an extra level of depth aided by supple tannins and a twitch of oak. The value cannot be gainsaid.

94 POINTS

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

Richly fruited and instantly appealing, the wine shows dark and purple fruit intensity with dark cocoa, cedar, thyme and floral nuances on the nose. The powerfully expressed palate delivers terrific concentration and density, well supported by plush mouthfeel and silky tannins, making it hugely appealing.

92 POINTS

Sylvia Wu - Decanter

Perfumed dark cherry and blackcurrant, with vanilla seeds and clove spices on the nose due to 12 months of French oak maturation. An explosion of blueberry juice and cassis on the palate, with wood spices and vanilla, balanced by fresh acidity and soft-grained tannins. An opulent and elegant Shiraz from the Clare Valley, providing great value.

92 POINTS

Sylvia Wu - Decanter

Perfumed dark cherry and blackcurrant, with vanilla seeds and clove on the nose due to 12 months of French oak maturation. An explosion of blueberry and cassis, with wood spices and vanilla, balanced by fresh acidity and soft-grained tannins. An opulent and elegant Shiraz from the Clare Valley.

91 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

I commented on the new packaging when reviewing the 2015, and it’s changed again, so now it’s new new packaging. Looks better too. And look, I’ve reviewed two $25 South Australian Shiraz in as many days! Medium-bodied, and kind of crisp, but with ample flavour and a nice bit of tannin built in. Flavours are more into red fruits, with a flicker of mint and pepper, subtle spicy oak, and a fresh finish of good length. Stylish. A very good release of this wine.

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A couple of additional years in bottle (as compared to the 2020 tasted alongside) have imbued this 2018 Shiraz The Lodge Hill with softness and subdued tannins. The fruit remains true to the red-fruited way that 2018 was so good at. It's ready now and should be drunk in the next couple of years if you value primary fruit.

2021 - Decanter World Wine Awards

Elegant and restrained, with leafy tones and a pinch of spice to the sweet black fruits. Award: Bronze - DWWA 2021