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. — 14 days ago

Delectable Wine

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9.1

The surprisingly elegant 2020 Shotfire Quartage is a red blend that delivers ample layers of black cherry and dried herbs with graphite and spice touches. Good composure is on show in a fleshy mid-weight style, providing a rich blackberry flavor core with chewy tannins to finish. $25.00 (Angus Hughson, Vinous, December 2023) — 2 years ago

Jack Krawczyk

9.2

silky with a light plum note — 22 days 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

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

George Hesse

9.1

Very good. Especially for the price! ~$10 — 3 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

Vintage 2020 | ridiculous light cola colour. I was totally discouraged. But smells very nice and after two years in cellar the taste is awesome: a solid combination of spices and vanilla that brings a sunny smile in my face. Paired with tartare and oven mixed vegetables. Proud, wine from my homeland. // second day with a pasta broccoli, still good but now it is very clear that the wine is over-oaked. — 2 months ago

Roman Ochocki

9.2

High acidity, very dry. It’s earthy, menthol with dark fruit and leather. — 9 months ago

romo

9.1

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

Cary Jones

9.3

Best Merlot I’ve had… slightly sweet but so smooth and good. — 2 years ago