Jim Barry, Clare Valley (South Australia) Shiraz 2014

 This is a traditionally-styled, thoroughly exciting, kick-ass bottle of Shiraz.  It is sourced from a vineyard planted in 1964 that also produces the Jim Barry “Armagh” Shiraz…that lists for $300.  “The McRae Wood” was introduced in 1992 as a “second wine,” presumably in the tradition of Bordeaux that reserves the very best juice for the Grand Vin and drops the lesser juice down a notch to exalt the flagship.  Well, I’ve never been fortunate to taste the Armagh” Shiraz, so I can’t speak to the relative merits of the two wines, but I can say with absolute certainty that “The McRae Wood” does NOT taste like a second-stringer.  It shows wonderful aromas of ripe red and black berries with an exciting eucalyptus topnote that adds both complexity and regional typicity without distracting from the delicious fruit.  There’s still a bit of wood also showing as a distinct element, but it too works beautifully with the fruit, adding a bit of spice to the subtly peppery fruit.  Rich and very deeply flavored but not heavy or “soupy,” this is absolutely full of delicious fun.  Pass the grilled lamb chops!