2021 Clarevale Cabernet Malbec

Blackcurrants, blueberries, blue flowers and chocolate orange on the nose of this creamy and full-bodied red. It’s silky and engaging with berry-soaked tannins accompanying the sweet fruit, giving a gentle focus and following through to a long, fresh and caressing finish. Drink now or hold. Screw cap. (12/2024)

The 2021 Clarevale J.B. Barry Cabernet Malbec is here today on the bench beside the 2018, and it is a nice thing to be able to compare the pair, so to speak. While the 2021 has the benefit of youth on its side, it isn't just the vibrancy of it that makes me think this will be a superior wine in time. It has levity and grace in equal measure, and the oak regime—whatever the specifics of that are—appears to have been kinder and more sensitive to the fruit than the 2018. This is a bigger blend by a factor of two and half times, and it does feature a small amount of new oak. What we have here is a wine of clarity, finesse and abundant red fruits. These are buffered and complemented by shaved fennel, star anise, blood, rust, garden roses and petrichor. It is leafy and detailed and, really, an excellent wine. This is highly recommended for now and for the future. 3% Malbec. 13.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

- Erin Larkin (09/2024)