2024 Claymore ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ – Boysenberry, mint chocolate, and graphite-like depth from the Clare Valley

The 2024 vintage marked a special chapter for Cabernet Sauvignon in the Clare Valley: a long, balanced summer with consistent ripening, exceptional color depth, and tannin qualities rarely found in the Clare Valley. Claymore Wines took full advantage of these conditions—and made an extraordinary decision: Instead of splitting the harvest, the best plots—which in other years are reserved for the “Black Magic Woman”—were used entirely for the 2024 “Bittersweet Symphony.” The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon of unusual density and expressiveness.

Fermented in small batches and aged exclusively in 100% French oak, the “Bittersweet Symphony” embodies the Claymore philosophy: the wood frames the fruit—it never takes center stage. Cedar, cocoa, and a gentle roasted note underscore the wine’s depth without overpowering its dark, velvety fruit. A Cabernet that sings.

What makes the Claymore “Bittersweet Symphony” Cabernet Sauvignon so special?

In rare vintages, wineries choose to consolidate their finest harvest—and that is precisely what makes this “Bittersweet Symphony” the estate’s exceptional Cabernet: plots that are normally divided between two cuvées are, for the first time, fully combined here. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Clare Valley, 100% French oak—consistent and uncompromising. The wine embodies Claymore’s artistic conviction: quality over quantity, expression over conformity. The graphite-tinged tannins, the lively acidity, and the long, resonant finish demonstrate why the Clare Valley is rightly considered one of Australia’s finest Cabernet regions.

And how does the Claymore “Bittersweet Symphony” Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 taste?

In the glass, it glows with a deep, dark crimson red—intense and inviting. The nose is immediately apparent: boysenberry and black currant come through first, followed by crushed cassis, ripe plum, and a cool hint of mint chocolate. Underneath, the oak lies calm and supportive: cedar, cocoa, and a gentle toast that lends character to the bouquet without dominating it. On the palate, the wine is supple from the very first second—a silky-matte texture with black fruit gliding over fine, graphite-lined tannins. Blackcurrant and boysenberry pulse through the midpalate, while dark chocolate and minty freshness maintain the balance. The finish is long, warm, and resonant: black currant, cocoa, and a subtle hint of herbal spice that lingers like the final verse of a familiar song.