Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Thorn-Clarke “Shotfire” Shiraz 2020, Barossa Valley, Australia 🇦🇺

Overview
A classic Barossa Valley Shiraz from Thorn-Clarke Wines. The Shotfire name pays tribute to a family ancestor who worked in the Barossa goldfields in the late 1800s as a “shotfirer”, the person responsible for handling explosives during mining operations. This cuvée reflects the rich, bold style Barossa is famous for while remaining notably approachable and polished.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark blackberry, ripe plum, and black cherry layered with sweet baking spices, cocoa, and hints of black pepper. Subtle notes of mocha and dark chocolate appear as the wine opens.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet remarkably smooth. Ripe, rounded tannins and a plush texture create an effortless drinking experience, with a soft and lingering finish typical of modern Barossa Shiraz.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, smoked brisket, lamb chops, barbecue ribs, or hearty mushroom dishes.

Verdict
A very approachable and well-balanced Barossa Shiraz that delivers generous fruit, spice, and texture without overwhelming the palate. Smooth, inviting, and simply delicious.

Did You Know?
The Barossa Valley is home to some of the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in the world, with many vineyards dating back to the 1800s thanks to Australia remaining free of phylloxera in many regions.

🍷 Personal Pick
A highly enjoyable Shiraz that overdelivers in drinkability and balance, an excellent example of Barossa’s rich style presented in a smooth, approachable way. — 18 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Tried two of their more current releases, 21 Russian River & 21 Crown Gap and this 2017 Thorn Ridge from Magnum. Always consistent, solid Pinots from KB. Paired well with the Duck.

At Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2025.

The ticket to this event has a pretty big price tag. But when you consider what a Napa etc. tasting or two and lunch would cost you, you are pretty much there and there is so much more than that. It ends up having great value. It’s wine, spirits and food candy land.
— a year ago

romo

9.1

Quite a value from Barossa. Slightly tired but still kicking. — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Suduiraut, 2023, Sauternes BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Premier Cru Classé Sauternes delivering pure botrytis luxury blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Sauvignon Gris with remarkable tension and precision. Lush honeyed richness balanced by vibrant acidity and a beautifully layered texture that feels both decadent and weightless. Sensual, polished, and deeply expressive, this is a dessert wine that seduces rather than overwhelms.

Aromas & Flavors
Orange blossom, acacia honey, apricot confit, ripe peach, saffron, candied citrus peel, subtle vanilla bean, almond paste, and a whisper of ginger spice. Floral lift intertwines with botrytis-driven sweetness and fresh citrus brightness.

Mouthfeel
Silky, viscous, and coating without heaviness. Glycerol richness glides across the palate while acidity keeps the wine lifted, focused, and endlessly drinkable. Long, luxurious, and caressing finish.

Food Pairings
Foie gras torchon, blue cheese (Roquefort or Stilton), apricot tart, almond pastries, honey-drizzled chèvre, citrus-based desserts, or simply enjoyed solo as a contemplative finale.

Verdict
Sublime, sexy, and impeccably balanced. A masterclass in tension between sweetness and freshness, delivering pleasure, elegance, and emotional impact in equal measure. A benchmark nightcap wine.

Did You Know?
Château Suduiraut sits adjacent to Château d’Yquem and shares similar gravelly terroir and noble rot influence, often delivering First Growth-level finesse at a more approachable price point.

🍯 Personal Pick
This wine feels like a French kiss, seductive tension, velvet weight, and honeyed decadence wrapped in electric freshness. The viscosity caresses the palate while the acidity keeps everything irresistibly alive. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.7

Blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc with 5% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, aged 50% new oak. Medium lemon color with aromas of stone and tropical fruits, citrus and blossom with spicy notes. On the palate flavors of peach, pear and pineapple with slight citrus and honeysuckle adding pepper spice. Long finish, balanced acidity, ending with a fruit, oak and chalky mineral spice character. Very good! Will age well! — 10 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Charles "Champagne Charlie" Heidsieck was one of the first to recognize the importance of the U.S. as a Champagne market. A blend with 40% reserve wines, fruit and floral bouquet, with orange blossom & yeasty notes. Fine bubbles, nice mousse, showing quality. Outstanding rich flavors of apple, pear and biscuit, well balanced, good structure, creamy. Long finish ending with toasty nutty oak & mineral notes. — 2 years ago

Kenneth

9.2

Dry high acidity elegant blossom hint of wet stone pale lemon green green apple pear lemon grapefruit med body smooth long finish — 4 months ago

David White

9.3

Nice bold Barossa Shiraz, not cheap at about $US 100, and has been tucked away for some years. Quite dark showing dark and red fruits on nose and palate and a bold fruit forward Oz Shiraz
Excellent wine — 4 months ago

Gene Buonviri

9.0

The is a medium bodied wine with a light greenish straw color. Aromas of citrus blossom and white peaches . With flavors of tangerine, lime, white peach and a pleasant hint of mineral & acidity. Very crisp, smooth and enjoyable! — 9 months ago

with Justinian

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Pale lemon yellow color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits, white blossom and bright mineral scents. On the palate wine has a lush texture with flavors of apple, pear, melon, citrus and vanilla notes, silky with a long finish ending with fruit, floral, spice and creamy mineral character. Very nice! Pair this with a swordfish topped with a dill sauce! — a year ago