Cork’d (www.corkd.com) is like Yelp for wine.   Its a great wine review website and their staff has given me the opportunity to try many delicious wines, many of which are value driven.   Cork’d hosted a tasting last night featuring Jim Barry Wines, which are produced in the Clare Valley in Australia.   Synopsis – the common denominator in all of the wines was excellent fruit, along with great aromas.   I was particularly fond of the cabernet because it reminded me of a fall weekend in Vermont, any wine that can do that has my vote 

2007 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling

Strong, citrusy, acidic nose. I can tell by smelling this that it is going to be very crisp/dry. This is being served chilled and usually chilling the wine mutes the nose but not this time. Lots of minerals, citrus and petrol – which is common in riesling. Makes your mouth pucker. Nice acid on the back end – like biting in to a lemon.

$18.00/bottle

Double

2008 Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon

Stunning berries on this nose. A bit of potpourri too. I feel like I walked into Grandma Miller’s Pies in Vermont… with the potpourri gift baskets and smell of blackberry pies baking. Ripe berries bursting on the midpalate and a hint of white pepper comes through but this is all fruit. And what amazing fruit it is! Drinking beautifully right now. Soft tannins for an ’08. This wine is getting me excited for the fall… enjoying the folliage and enjoying a nice berry crisp

$20.00/bottle

Home Run

2008 Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz

Coffee, cooked berries, vanilla bean, black pepper. Some dried leaves as well and spices. Pretty complex nose there! Spicy on the midpalate and finish… tastes like I just ate something with Cajun spices. Very nice fruit, lingering ripe raspberry notes.

$20.00/bottle

Triple

2004 Jim Barry McRae Wood Shiraz

Whoa. Almost smells like a port, in a very good way because I love port. Can tell these grapes had quite a bit of hang time and probably spent time in a toasted barrel. Dark chocolate, charcoal, prune, and burnt vanilla on the nose. Heavy, decadent and complex. This is an apres ski, drink by the fireplace wine Now I need a nap!

$45.00/bottle

Home run