2022 'The Farm' Single Vineyard Cabernet, Jim Barry

Clare Valley, Turned Up to Eleven.

There is something quietly commanding about this wine. Sourced from the elevated Lodge Hill vineyard at 480 metres, this is Cabernet with both muscle and poise. The nose opens with ripe blackcurrant and dark plum, followed by olive tapenade, tobacco leaf and a flicker of warm spice. On the palate, it is opulent yet controlled, supple dark berry fruit wrapped in a finely integrated line of French oak, with hints of cedar and savoury complexity from a small portion of whole-bunch fermentation. The cool Clare nights bring lift and freshness, keeping everything precise and structured. This is Cabernet that feels generous, but never heavy, polished, but never overworked.

For when: the steak is thick, the fire is lit, and conversation runs late.
Pairs with: ribeye, rosemary lamb, aged cheddar, or anything with a good char.
If this wine were: a tailored navy suit, classic, confident and built to last.

The fruit comes from the historic Lodge Hill vineyard, originally part of a pastoral run dating back to 1839 and purchased by Jim Barry in 1977. Planted in 1997 on brown loam over siltstone soils, the site’s elevation and cool nights encourage slow ripening and natural acidity, key to the wine’s balance and ageing potential. The vines are sustainably farmed and hand-harvested. In the winery, fruit is destemmed and gently crushed, with a portion of whole berries retained. Around one third of the parcel is co-fermented with whole bunch fruit to build aromatic lift and complexity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with heading down boards and careful pump overs, followed by malolactic conversion and 12 months ageing in 100% French oak. The blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a small addition of Malbec, adding depth and roundness to this Clare Valley single vineyard expression.