2021 Jim Barry Clarevale Cabernet Malbec, Clare Valley

This blend pays homage to the mighty red wine foundations on which Clare winemaking was built, with an unashamed nod to the classic wines of Wendouree. Constructed with elite grape parcels from a superior vintage, its lively wrestle of components shows Malbec’s rich florals riding atop bright red Cabernet berries, with a hint of menthol at the seams. Going for leanness and elegance rather that heft, luscious redcurrant, raspberry and blackberry fruitiness fills the front-palate, but then Malbec edges its way to centre stage, shaping a rounded mid-palate savouriness with a spicy tingle that drives with purpose and vigour. Fine-grained, pliable Cabernet tannins shape the finish, with notes of aniseed, camphor, tobacco and dried orange peel helping to chisel an intriguing yet crisp finish.

97 points Decanter

The 2021 Clarevale Cabernet Malbec is here today on the bench beside the 2018, and it is a nice thing to be able to compare the pair, so to speak. While the 2021 has the benefit of youth on its side, it isn’t just the vibrancy of it that makes me think this will be a superior wine in time. It has levity and grace in equal measure, and the oak regime—whatever the specifics of that are—appears to have been kinder and more sensitive to the fruit than the 2018. This is a bigger blend by a factor of two and half times, and it does feature a small amount of new oak. What we have here is a wine of clarity, finesse and abundant red fruits. These are buffered and complemented by shaved fennel, star anise, blood, rust, garden roses and petrichor. It is leafy and detailed and, really, an excellent wine. This is highly recommended for now and for the future. 3% Malbec. 13.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

97 points The Wine Advocate, 06 Sep 2024

Jim Barry has always understood the quiet beauty of Clare Valley reds, wines that carry power but also freshness and line, thanks to the region’s elevation and cool nights. Clarevale Cabernet Malbec is one of those old school Australian blends that deserves far more attention, combining Cabernet’s structure and cassis drive with the plush, floral edge that Malbec brings to the mix.

The 2021 vintage really suits the style. Blackcurrant, dark plum and mulberry rise straight out of the glass, layered with violet, bay leaf, dark chocolate and a little cedar spice. There’s a brightness to the fruit that keeps everything feeling alive rather than heavy.

It settles into a beautifully balanced rhythm. Cabernet gives the wine its frame, fine tannins and graphite like structure, while Malbec softens the edges with juicy dark fruit and a touch of floral lift. Hints of cocoa, dried herbs and spice build steadily, the finish stretching out with dark berries and a savoury earthiness.

This is where the wine becomes incredibly versatile. Chargrilled lamb with rosemary is a natural, but it’s equally good with smoky lentil stew, mushroom bourguignon or roasted eggplant layered with tomato, herbs and parmesan. A proper aged cheddar alongside it wouldn’t hurt either.

Drinking beautifully now with a bit of air, though it has enough structure to settle in over the next decade and develop more tobacco and earthy complexity.

There’s something reassuringly classic here, a Clare Valley red that doesn’t chase trends, just balance, drinkability and genuine regional character.