Jim Barry Wines has a strong lineage. Jim himself was the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating with the 17th Degree in Oenology from the famous Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1947. Working for 22 years as winemaker at the Clarevale Co-operative, Jim Barry became a pioneer of Australian table wine. And so the Barry family name is synonymous with the Clare wine region and their deep ties to the local community continue to this day in the hands of two further generations of Barry’s.

In 1964, Jim purchased 70 acres of prime land from Duncan McRae Wood and planted his first vineyard with Shiraz. It was an inspired choice of both grape variety and location. Matured in French oak the Mcrae Wood offers a noteworthy alternative to French expressions of Syrah (aka Shiraz).

Red and black fruits carry onto the palate supported by a rich, earthy undertone and fine silky tannins giving the wine terrific structure, great length and persistent flavour. Showing generous girth with rich fruit cake fruits, cherry and blackberry supported with balanced acidity and complex, delicate grained tannins. Made using the ‘Jim Barry’ method and as such can be enjoyed upon release, but would equally benefit from cellaring to allow the wine to show some mature characteristics that come with age.