Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz Cellar Release 3000ml 2012

94 POINTS

Halliday Wine Companion

I suspect this wine is in transition, and has closed down for its annual holidays; there is nothing amiss, but the black fruits, integrated tannins and oak should be speaking more clearly. Given the vintage and the provenance of the wine, sure to emerge in a year or two.

93 POINTS

Jeremy Oliver

Finely balanced and already deliciously drinkable, this smooth, supple shiraz has a peppery fragrance of bright, pastille-like small black and red berries knit with charry vanilla, chocolatey and cedary oak and a violet-like perfume. It's long and elegant, with lively flavours of juicy dark fruits and toasty oak underpinned by fine, dusty tannins, finishing long and balanced with a refreshing acidity. Try to keep it.

92 POINTS

Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Vivid ruby. Ripe dark berries, violet and pipe tobacco on the nose, complemented by a smoky accent and a hint of peppery spices. Broad, fleshy and seamless on the palate, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors that spread out and gain in energy on the back half. The gently tannic finish shows excellent clarity and lift and a juicy boysenberry quality.

91 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2012 Shiraz The McRae Wood reveals abundant baked blackberries, cassis and mulberries on the nose dotted with cloves, menthol and yeast extract hints. Full-bodied and rich with a taut backbone of firm chewy tannins, this muscular wine finishes long and savory.

Wine Spectator

Brambly blackberry and plum notes are dark and plush, accented by sarsaparilla and toasted spice flavors, persistent on the finish.