Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Thorn-Clarke “Shotfire” Shiraz 2020, Barossa Valley, Australia 🇦🇺

Overview
A classic Barossa Valley Shiraz from Thorn-Clarke Wines. The Shotfire name pays tribute to a family ancestor who worked in the Barossa goldfields in the late 1800s as a “shotfirer”, the person responsible for handling explosives during mining operations. This cuvée reflects the rich, bold style Barossa is famous for while remaining notably approachable and polished.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark blackberry, ripe plum, and black cherry layered with sweet baking spices, cocoa, and hints of black pepper. Subtle notes of mocha and dark chocolate appear as the wine opens.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet remarkably smooth. Ripe, rounded tannins and a plush texture create an effortless drinking experience, with a soft and lingering finish typical of modern Barossa Shiraz.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, smoked brisket, lamb chops, barbecue ribs, or hearty mushroom dishes.

Verdict
A very approachable and well-balanced Barossa Shiraz that delivers generous fruit, spice, and texture without overwhelming the palate. Smooth, inviting, and simply delicious.

Did You Know?
The Barossa Valley is home to some of the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in the world, with many vineyards dating back to the 1800s thanks to Australia remaining free of phylloxera in many regions.

🍷 Personal Pick
A highly enjoyable Shiraz that overdelivers in drinkability and balance, an excellent example of Barossa’s rich style presented in a smooth, approachable way. — a month ago

Nathan Black

9.3

Pleasant cheer and dry finish — 5 years ago

Jasebase

9.0

Was absolutely delicious, until I tasted the Shotfire Shiraz 2012 also from Thorn-Clarke, which bested it. — 10 years ago

Roman Ochocki

9.2

High acidity, very dry. It’s earthy, menthol with dark fruit and leather. — 10 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.1

The surprisingly elegant 2020 Shotfire Quartage is a red blend that delivers ample layers of black cherry and dried herbs with graphite and spice touches. Good composure is on show in a fleshy mid-weight style, providing a rich blackberry flavor core with chewy tannins to finish. $25.00 (Angus Hughson, Vinous, December 2023) — 2 years ago

eamon gallagher

8.9

Love me some AUS Barossa Shiraz — 5 years ago

Willem Boshoff

9.0

Elegant blend not trying to pretend a bordaux. Really good value which makes it difficult to be patient. — 10 years ago

Daniel M

9.1

After Thorne shotfire barossa shiraz which was round, very oaky and lacking a bit of acid, I wanted another expression of the same varietal from the same region, but with more zing to it.
Boy this one is zingy!
The nose is showing blackberry, black pepper, a tiny soy sauce note along with an eucalyptus thing. This is very inviting and quite complex! The palate shows a massive acid drive, extremely powerful, but not overpowering at all. A big and bright blackberry note shines through and through, some width, some matter on the sides, a silky mouthfeel that turns into a great tannic wall in the rear with a strong grip and a drying effect that continues till the very end. The finish is all about blackberry and a reminiscence of that eucalyptus /mentholy note that could be felt on the nose. The finish is long and the after taste of blackberry keeps on for almost a minute. Great take on Australian Shiraz, without the artificial, sometimes overwhelming oak treatment. I like it very much. Two hands deserve a high five! — 2 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.3

Tried six 2002 reds, all with Cabernet in the blend. The pepper dominated, rich, almost port-like.
— 5 years ago

Jim

9.2

TotalWine $21.99->17.64 coupon Good, but still like Shotfire better. — 9 years ago