The Thorn Clarke family has been grape growers in from the Barossa Valley for 6 generations. Unlike the 2003 vintage which employed shiraz, this is a true Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Verdot. On the nose, sweet cassis (Ribena), vibrant red, (and subtle blue and black fruit), sweet spicy wood, cream, dry orange peel and cola bottle chewy gum. Upon tasting, the sweet fruits popped out followed with espresso coffee, spicy wood, liquorice, vanilla fudge with more lemon cola, chocolate and bay leaf. A full body wine that has balanced acidity, good structure and complexity. The tannin is sweet, soft and fine but the wine is more backward than 2003 (perhaps no shiraz?)- more 'attack' in the mid-palate than being upfront. A new world fruit driven full bodied true Bordeaux blend. The finish is long, warming, satisfying and penetrating. Rating (92-94+ points). Tasted 24 November 2006 by Michael Lam of the Beverage Review.
