Journeymen wines abound at the $15 to $20 price point for South Australian shiraz, and their story can be difficult to tell.  The expression can seem standardised, although ironically, such standardisation may best express their terroir.  There’s a hint of journeyman with this release of The Lodge Hill shiraz from Jim Barry, but I think the wine is slightly better than that for a couple of reasons.   First, it is a perfectly enjoyable wine now – its aromatics remind of pepper and blueberry pie.  And the palate is quite peppery too, expressing itself in a pleasant and comforting style with echoes of Craiglee.  Sure, the echoes are not sonorous, but they are there nonetheless.   Second, Jim Barry wines – even at the lower end – seem to age well, and I see no reason why this wine will be any different.   Overall, this is a well made example of Clare Valley shiraz for the price.

Rating: Good, Abv: 14.5%, Price: $19, Vendors: http://www.wine-searcher.com/, Website: http://jimbarry.com, Tasted: 2014