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The
New Barossa
Part 16:
Clancy Fuller
Clancy Fuller is a relative newcomer on the Barossa
scene, and is the result of a collaboration between wine PR guy Peter
Fuller (right) and wine book publisher Paul Clancy. The
collaboration dates back to 1994, when they formed the Silesian Wine
Company, but I suspect it’s because they’ve been busy elsewhere
that the 1994–1997 vintages were just experimental, and only with  1998
did they take the plunge and release the wine.
The basis for the wines are vineyards purchased by the
partners in the late 1980s when they moved to the region. Peter bought
vineyards in Bethany, one of which dates back 120 years, and was
originally planted by the Hueppauf’s, immigrants from Silesia, in
the 1840s (right). Paul bought a spectacular property at
Jacob’s Creek—his house looks out over his old vineyards to the
hills, a truly gorgeous view.
They were helped at the beginning by star winemakers
Rock O’Callaghan and Chris Ringland, who helped make the first wine
back in 1994. Current release is 2002 for all three labels.
Clancy vineyard at Jacob's Creek
Clancy Fuller Scribblers 2002 Barossa
An 80/20 Grenache/Shiraz blend. Ripe, sweet open nose which is
lush and sweet with a spicy overlay. The palate is lush and sweetly
fruited. The alcohol shows just a little (15.5%). It’s open and
interesting with a spicy character dominant. Very good+ 88/100
Clancy Fuller Silesian Shiraz 2002 Barossa
Mostly Shiraz with a dash of Cabernet, matured in a mix of new and
second use French oak. Sweet, ripe, intense liqueur-like fruit on the
nose which is pure and quite blackcurranty. Good density of pure,
sweet fruit on the palate with a tarry finish. Very smooth. Perhaps a
tiny bit over-ripe and alcoholic? Very good+ 89/100
Clancy Fuller Three Hogsheads Shiraz 2002 Barossa
This is mainly from the 120 year old Bethany vineyard. It shows
smooth, ripe blackfruits with a spicy complexity. Smooth, intense and
liqueur-like. The palate is dense and concentrated with a spicy, tangy
overlay. It has a really smooth, sweet liqueur-like character. If
I’m going to be fussy, again there is a hint of too much alcohol on
the palate. This aside, it’s an interesting wine. Very
good/excellent 90/100
wines
tasted October 2005
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