Pretty sure most of us ended up agreeing that the 2012 Jim Barry Lodge Hill was of a very high standard even if it threw some (myself included) for a bit of a loop and dropped off other people’s shopping lists altogether. Anyway, it all adds to the anticipation of tasting this year’s model. It’s still fruity, especially on the nose but amidst the amply proportioned hit of flavour is one hell of a mineral backbone, unwavering resolve and captivating length.
Pert passionfruit, cumquat and lavender vie for attention alongside lemons, grapefruit and lime as you take a sniff. I’m ready for it this year and the palate is more classically steely. Unlike the 2012 none of us will mistake this as anything other than dry. It’s spicy and very chalky through the back-end. I like the amount of complexity without any corresponding loss of purity. Traditional Riesling made exciting once more. Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel – you just need to have access to the right site and know how to treat it. While I’m happy to slug some of this back now my money would be on it outperforming its predecessor in the cellar. 94+
Region: Clare Valley
Alcohol: 12.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $20
Tasted: July 2013
Agree with all that Jeremy.
MC