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

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

John of Thorne and Daughters poured the wine order and felt Peter’s Crystallum Agnes Chardonnay work well as our 5th wine.

The nose is very delicate & soft. Green apple, lemon, lime, white peach, pineapple, beeswax, soft delicate minerals & chalkiness with yellow lilies and florals.

The body is full, round and a touch waxy. The fruits are understated. Green apple, lemon, lime, white peach, pineapple, beeswax, soft delicate minerals & chalkiness, white spice with yellow yellow florals & lilies. Amazing acidity. The finish is rich, ripe, round, well balanced and delicious.

Photos of; Gabrielskloof courtyard with pond, tasting lounge, our tasting area and Estate vines. — 7 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Been a wine member at Claypool for a bit now and love their wines! This Thorne Ridge is legit- dark cherry skin color. Aromas of underripe cherry, rose petals, raspberry and cedar. Amazing flavors of red underripe fruit with a solid cedar finish. — 8 years ago

Matt Trader

9.2

Gotta Love Thorne Clarke! They make wonderful wines out of Barossa Valley, especially Shiraz! I like this one because it isn't such a bright, intense Shriaz. It's well oaked, rich, and velvety in feel. The nose is pleasant with notes of mulled raspberries and blackberries, cedar, and coffee. The weighted, full pallet is a driving force, yet still incredibly smooth, exhibiting notes of raspberry cream, chocolate mousse, bacon fat, baking spices, vanilla, and a smooth enticing finish. Nothing tart, super acidic or astringent. Just pure delight that still has the ability to age for several years. — 10 years ago

Randy Fillingim

9.4

Absolutely delicious. this may be my first white that I have from South Africa. The southern Rhone blend was near perfection. acidity and fruit in harmony. I will definitely buy again -if I can find it — 4 years ago

S. Petter Lyngstadaas

9.3

Top chenin blanc with lots of «hope»! Great alternative to the more exclusive french wines from Rohne and Burgundy. — 6 years ago

with Anita

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The nose reveals, lemon curd, lime, green apple, overripe pineapple, a salted caramel, beautiful soft minerals, chalk power and yellow flowers, lilies, spring flowers with greens.

The body is full and round. Honeysuckle, fruit blossoms, lemon curd, lime, green apple, overripe pineapple, a salted caramel, beautiful soft minerals, chalk power and yellow flowers, lilies, spring flowers with greens. The acidity is round. The lush finish thick, rich and well polished.

Photos of; the view from Gabrielskloof, a different shot with more decomposed granite soil, John Seccombe of Thorne and Daughters hosting our tasting with his Japanese importer and Gabrielskloof Estate vines. — 7 years ago

Peter Blandino

9.1

Wow, lovely and complex. — 8 years ago

April Wang

8.9

Medium minus lemon. Lemon, mineral, mint, basil, birch wood, coconut. Medium plus acidity, medium minus sugar, medium minus alcohol — 10 years ago

Roman Ochocki

9.0

Another wine from Thorne-Clark. Very good blend. A strawberry, ripe plum, dark chocolate. With a pepper finish. — 5 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.0

The 2019 Snakes & Ladders consists of Sauvignon Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains. It has a potent bell pepper and gooseberry nose that maybe lacks the complexity of John Seccombe’s Chenins. The palate is well balanced with good weight. Bitter lemon, orange peel and light saline notes define the finish. This is a fine Sauvignon Blanc that should drink well for 3–6 years. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2021)
— 5 years ago

Kelsey L. Smith

9.2

Smooth and easy to drink! — 7 years ago

Fredrik Finn

9.0

Easy going and ever so enjoyable to drink. Red fruit is in the foreground with floral and some spicy notes backing it up. Balanced with a good structure and length. Some earthy complexity is developing in the glass which stimulates the more serious wine drinker. — 8 years ago

garry post

8.9

Lovely, off the beaten path Gamay Noir from Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada.

Drinking with Rob Thorne. He bought this in Vancouver last summer.

Soft, light body, currants, dash of pepper. — 9 years ago

Maggie Meagher

9.2

Really tasty. Very aromatic with lots of citrus, flowers and caramelized sugar with a full and complex palate — 11 years ago