Wine of the week: an opinionated shiraz from the Clare Valley
This inky and powerful Australian red comes with one of the most affordable price tags for a wine of this build-quality.
2014 Tim Adams, Schaefer Shiraz, Clare Valley, South Australia
£20, timadamswines.co.uk
Tim Adams and his wife Pam set up their eponymous winery in the idyllic Clare Valley in 1987. This is the year I started working in the wine business and I remember selling (and loving) an Adams & Wray shiraz, from Tim’s previous wine venture. I have known “Bonecrusher Adams” (he has a mighty handshake) and his amazing wines for every day of my life in the wine trade. You might have come across Tim and Pam’s iconic and affordable wines in Tesco – they have been a mainstay on its shelves. Adams’s wine has been championed in the UK by mercurial wine agent Craig Smith, who has masterminded the fortunes of a good few Aussie wine heroes over the decades by placing them on all of the right wine lists.
Last year Craig and Tim set up a UK arm to sell directly to his adoring British public and two amazing wines have just been launched on this website. Schaefer Shiraz is the personification of Tim’s irascible, magnetic and steadfast character, in vinous form. Inky, powerful and blessed with 12 months spent in new French oak, this is a focused and opinionated wine with the most affordable price tags I have ever seen for a wine of this build-quality.
In addition, 2018 Tim Adams Skilly Ridge Riesling (£16) will remind you of Tim’s magical touch with this sensational variety, too. Open, layered, violet and lime blossom scented and enchanting, this magnificent white is the perfect counterpoint to the heady, luxurious shiraz.
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year (matthewjukes.com)