The fruit for Jim Barry's 2008 Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon comes from 50% Clare Valley and 50% Coonawarra. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives pronounced aromas of eucalyptus, warm blackberry and crushed blueberries with some cinnamon and cloves plus a whiff of cedar. Medium to high acid and a medium to high level of finely grained tannins support the ample flesh in the mid palate of this full bodied style. The finish is long and minty. Approachable now, it should be best 2011 to 2018. Jim Barry continually gives great value at the -entry- level and I have yet to see any compromises even in the difficult vintages such as 2008.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

Bright, focused and generous, shooting a solid beam of cherry, sassafras and dried herb flavors through a long, vivid finish. Stylish and deftly balanced. Drink now through 2015. 4,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Coonawarra Select to Add

Representing a good value in top-flight Cabernet, Jim Barry’s 2008 The Cover Drive (a cricketing term) features subtle hints of cinnamon, coffee and vanilla layered over blueberry and plum fruit. It’s on the full-bodied side, with plush, velvety tannins balanced by crisp acids. Drink now–2018.——J.C.(9/1/2010)—— 90