The Clare in question is the Clare Valley in South Australia, a cooler region in the state that is Australian's viticultural powerhouse. It's a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, with some Grenache. The people behind it are The Koerner brothers, Damon and Jono. The grapes are hand-harvested before fermenting with wild yeasts and ageing in Slavonian foudre (huge neutral oak cask) and stainless steel. The brothers describe the wine as being in a "Loire style", so expect lots of freshness and red fruit rather than oak and spice.
Delightfully perfumed nose with rose petals, fresh blackcurrants and mint. The palate is light, for an Australian wine, but intense with red fruits, herbs, tobacco and a slatey refreshing edge. Delicious!
