Captivating Clare

Jim Barry was a pioneering force in the Clare Valley wine industry. An early graduate from Roseworthy’s winemaking program (the 17^th to receive a diploma, in 1947) who bought his first vineyard in 1959, Barry would work at the Clarevale Co-operative and Taylors Wines before establishing the family winery in 1973. Son Peter Barry worked his first vintage in the cellar in 1977, the same year that the 330-acre Lodge Hill property was purchased, providing an abundance of top quality riesling and, in time, shiraz after vines were planted in 1979.

The third generation is active in all facets of the operation, which includes a patchwork of 21 vineyards across the region. Known for the quality of their riesling, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, the recent addition of assyrtiko is sure to turn heads. Another new wrinkle is a collaboration between celebrated Mosel winemaker Ernst Loosen and the family to explore different approaches to riesling.

Jim Barry Assyrtiko 2023
Clare Valley, South Australia

Vines planted in 2012. First release in 2015.

Pretty and fragrant white wine; zesty and dry, vibrant and charming. Lime juice, lemon sherbet candy and mineral notes combine to make for a delightful and appealing white wine. Drink now-2026. (91/100)

Jim Barry The Florita Riesling 2023
Clare Valley, South Australia

Vines planted in 1962. Vineyard purchased by the Barry family in the 1980s. First vintage in 2004.

Delivers a lot of pleasure with classic Clare style. Lime fruit with some blossom/floral and rock/flint notes Mouthwatering style (dry but not punishing in nature), with amazing purity and density of fruit to contribute to a lingering (powdery) finish. Delicious now, with intensity and texture to develop. Drink now-2041. (92/100)

Jim Barry LoosenBarry Wolta Wolta Dry Riesling 2021
Clare Valley, South Australia

Small batch riesling from a selected plot in the Lodge Hill vineyard made as a partnership between the Barry family and Ernst Loosen, who makes the wine using traditional German methods (wild ferment in a 3,000-litre oak cask, 12 months aging on lees). In turn, the Barry’s make a Mosel riesling using conventional Clare techniques.

Marked colour difference (pale gold) from the traditional watery Clare hue. Richer nose, with toasty/leesy, honey and lime notes, makes a tremendous first impression. On the palate, this is steely, but with texture and balance that contribute to the appetizing style. Would love to see how this evolves. Drink now-2031. (94/100)

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2022
Clare Valley, South Australia

Shiraz vines planted in 1979. First produced in 2001.

Ripe and appealing style, with purple and blue fruit flavours on display. Polished and primary; youthful style that offers only a slight white pepper accent at this stage of development. A decidedly medium-weight shiraz built to develop gracefully. Great value. Drink now-2032. (91/100)

Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2021
Clare Valley, South Australia

First produced in 1992. A blend of grapes declassified from The Armagh and fruit from select parcels from the family’s estate vineyards. Always offers serious value.

Supple and savoury model of Clare Valley shiraz, showing impressive richness and depth of flavour, sleek/polished texture and a long, lingering finish. Balanced and layered style that’s ready and has potential to develop in bottle. One to watch. Drink now-2042. (93/100)

Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021
Clare Valley, South Australia

Single vineyard parcel, from seven acres of ungrafted shiraz vines planted in 1968. First produced in 1985. 

Full-bodied, concentrated and savoury style of shiraz with a silky texture, lift and refreshment. (Is that a fanciful way of saying a red offering elegance and power?) Expressive and youthful (just starting to unfurl in the glass), with serious structure and complexity, suggesting an intriguing mix of plummy, Christmas cake, star anise, and licorice notes. Beautifully balanced and persistent. One to watch. Drink now-2052. (96/100)

Photos courtesy of Jim Barry Wines.