RJ Hamster
Open Bottle Thursday: 96-Point Barossa Shiraz Worth Savoring
Hello Peter,
Open Bottle Thursday
August 20, 2026
Thorn-Clarke
2020 Shotfire Reserve
Shiraz
Barossa Shiraz. Bold, Beautiful, Built to Age.
Our Thoughts…this is a bold, beautifully layered Barossa Shiraz that delivers plenty of power without losing its silky, polished character. Rich blackberry, dark plum, violet, licorice, and hints of cigar box lead into a dense, flowing palate framed by toasty oak and fleshy, rounded tannins. Made from 100% Shiraz from 25–30-year-old vines and matured for up to two years in American oak, it’s drinking wonderfully now but has the structure and concentration to age gracefully. A natural match for rare roast beef, BBQ lamb cutlets, or any hearty meal coming off the grill.
Reviews… this wine has earned impressive critical acclaim, with two reviewers both awarding it 96 points. They highlight its captivating dark fruit, blackberry and plum richness, along with layers of mocha, licorice, cedar, vanilla, spice, and savory complexity. With beautifully integrated oak, polished tannins, and a long, velvety finish, critics agree it’s drinking beautifully now while offering excellent cellaring potential through 2038.
About the winery…Thorn-Clarke brings together two Barossa Valley families with deep roots in the region and six generations of grape growing. The Thorn family has been growing grapes since the 1870s, with their Clifton property home to Shiraz vines first planted in 1854. David and Cheryl Clarke founded Thorn-Clarke in 2001 with their children, Sam and Nicole, building on decades of experience as grape growers. Today, the family farms 675 acres across five vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys, with a focus on quality, vineyard stewardship, and wines that showcase the character of their land. Certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia since 2021, Thorn-Clarke takes a thoughtful approach to sustainability, from soil and water conservation to biodiversity, renewable energy, and responsible winery practices. Their philosophy is simple: great wine starts in the vineyard, with a long-term commitment to caring for the land and the Barossa’s winemaking legacy.
Quantities are limited, so order now for this special…
no need to wait until Thursday!
Tasting time on Thursday: 3 – 7:30 PM
Special Sale Pricing
Our Regular Price: $24.99
Buy 1-5 bottles: $22/bottleORDER 1-5 BOTTLES
Buy 6+ bottles: $19/bottleORDER 6+ BOTTLES
Thank you for shopping local!
Kate, Donna P., Heidi, Valerie, Beth, Melanie, Mari, Patty, Donna B., Matt, Bill, Steve, Rande and Mike
The Wine Cabinet
1416 North Point Village Center
Reston, VA 20194
Shop Hours
Mon – Wed: 11 AM – 7 PM
Thu – Sat: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
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The Wine Cabinet · 1416 Northpoint Village Ctr · Reston, VA 20194-1190 · USA
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