Clarry’s is produced in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, by the Kalleske family who have been farming and growing grapes since the 1800s. It is a genuine estate wine - grown, vintaged and matured on the Kalleske estate at Greenock. Clarry’s is named in honour of winemaker, Troy Kalleske’s, Grandfather, Clarence “Clarry” Kalleske, who farmed the Kalleske vineyards from the late 1920s until his retirement in the 1990s. Clarry was the fourth generation member to tend the vines on the Kalleske family farm, established by his great grandparents who migrated from Prussia to South Australia in 1838 aboard the Prince George. Many years were spent by Clarry pruning, hand-picking and nurturing the Kalleske vineyards.
Vintage 2017 was stunning. The vines got off to a fantastic start with a wetter than average Winter and mild Spring. Summer brought typically average warm conditions with some excellent rainfall, twice the average. This kept the vines in superb condition for steady ripening into Autumn which remained dry with warm sunny days and cool nights. Yields from 2017 are good and quality is exceptional.
The 2017 Clarry’s is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, with all grapes from the Kalleske’s organic farm. The Grenache is from low-yielding sandy soils from vines dating back to the 1940s, while the Shiraz and Mataro are sourced from a number of select blocks on the Kalleske estate with soil generally consisting of shallow, sandy loam over superb deep red clay and limestone, providing ideal conditions for these vines.
The Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro blocks were harvested from March 20th through to April 26th. All varieties were fermented separately in open top fermenters with hand pumpovers twice a day during fermentation. After seven to fourteen days on skins the fermented grapes were traditionally pressed. To preserve the superb fresh fruit flavours of the Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, wines were only aged in very old oak hogsheads and only for a limited time of four months. On completion of maturation, components were blended for balanced flavour, texture and complexity. Winery Notes
Wine Sellers Direct Panel Review
"It's all about the Barossa, this wine, and it paints a beautiful picture. Aromas of cherry liqueur, cinnamon spice, sweet oak and the warmth of the red and black soil, followed by cascading flavours which are perfectly woven in and around the fresh, silky tannin. Each of the varieties contributes here, but the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, and really it's more of a delicious expression of the region than anything else. Drink now for sure, but it has years of life ahead as well." 2016 Vintage - Steven Creber August 2017
2016 VINTAGE ACCOLADES
Kemenys Perpetual Trophy for Best Value Dry Red Table Wine of Competition
2017 Sydney International Wine Competition
Gold Medal
2017 China Wine & Spirits Awards Best Value
4.5 STARS
“A deep red wine with purple tinges, super lifted fruit-driven aromas and a beautiful palate that has excellent fruit drive and clarity with a subtle integration of oak and tannins”
Winestate Magazine, March/April 2017
90 points
“Juicy and vivid, with black tea accents to the core of spiced plum, black liquorice and gunpowder flavours. Notes of smoke and spice linger on the dense finish. Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro. Drink now through 2029.”
MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator Magazine, April 2017
Ranked #1 of 18 - 2016 SA Grenache Blends
91 points
“Deep, youthful purple/red hue. The bouquet likewise fresh and intense, berries, banana and pepper, a hint of jam; bright and young, tasting; rich and full, soft and rounded, but also very youthful, bright and a touch callow. Some firmness.
Juicy, straightforward and delicious. And has a future.”
Huon Hooke, The Real Review, April 2017
