'The Clare' is Koerner's modern, Loire-leaning take on the classic Clare Valley Bordeaux blend - described by the brothers Koerner as 'Bordeaux varieties made in a Loire style'. Fruit is sourced from the Vivian, Parish and Gullyview vineyards in Watervale, grown on terra rossa soils of red clay over limestone, with vines planted in 1930 and 1998.
The 2022 is Cabernet Sauvignon-led (around 65%), with Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Malbec, Carignan and a splash of Sciacarello. Expect a bright, medium-bodied red with crunchy red and black fruit, dried herbs, mint, gentle chocolate and floral top notes, underpinned by soft, fine tannins and fresh acidity.
Hand-harvested, with around 50% whole berries wild-fermented in open-top steel tanks, then aged in Slavonian oak foudre for around 12 months before resting in stainless steel ahead of bottling. Unfined, unfiltered and with minimal sulphur.
Vintages may vary. Email us at hello@barrelandbatch.com.au if you would like confirmation.