The 2019 The McRae Wood Shiraz is concentrated and lush, with layers of deli meat, black berries and spicy tannins. The tannins are actually the draw card here—despite the fruit occupying a most delicious space—and they are fine, chalky, chewy and ductile, all very good things. Delicious, true to place and style, this Shiraz should age gracefully for a decade or more.

Delicious. 2018 puts this wine in such a spectacular place. And it is a good idea to taste this before you buy the Armagh, for they are possessed of the same purity of red fruit at their cores. This 2018 The McRae Wood Shiraz is lighter in frame and not as long as the Armagh, but it offers an excellent, value-for-money, dignified cellaring option. Sensational wine here. (Or you could just drink it, because it's delicious now, too.)

This 2017 The McRae Wood Shiraz is savory and meaty—in accordance with its 2017 peers. The vintage has led to a tranche of wines that are far more savory than sweet, possessed of charred wood, tobacco, earth, salted licorice, deli meat and a multitude of other similarly woven fabrics. This is purely a style choice here—2019 is concentrated, 2018 is pure and red, and 2017 is spicy and savory. All are great, just armed with different attributes.

Jim Barry's 2016 The McRae Wood Shiraz is a blend of the best lots from Lodge Hill with declassified Armagh. It comes across as a bit old-fashioned next to offerings like The Barry Bros, but it will appeal to consumers looking for traditional, sturdy South Australian Shiraz at a realistic price. Mulberries and red currants join hints of cedar and cola spice in this firmly structured, medium to full-bodied wine that finishes in a wash of dusty tannins.

Cherry, blood orange, strawberry and cranberry flavors are juicy and nicely transparent, with a touch of sandalwood aromatics that lingers on the spicy horehound candy finish. Drink now. 80 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add