Category Archives: Clare Valley

2013 Mr Riggs Watervale Riesling

A collaboration of sorts between Ben Riggs and Kerri Thompson of KT wines using grapes from the Churinga Vineyard in the Clare Valley. Pithy lemon, talc and citrus blossom. Good shape, intensity and clarity without any nail-biting acidity…in fact there’s … Continue reading

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2014 Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Riesling

The word “dry” has been removed from the label – although it remains technically dry at 3.1g/l residual sugar. More muted aromatically this year. Pithy flavours and aromas. Green apple skins with the interesting contrast of faint tropicals and saline, … Continue reading

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2014 Jim Barry Watervale Riesling

Every bit as expressive and approachable as we’ve come to expect from a young Jim Barry Watervale Riesling. Attractive orange blossom aromatics. Zesty lemon over hints of melon rind, lime and apple. Clean talc and slate finish. Acidity is capably … Continue reading

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2012 Byrne Family Limited Release Sangiovese

Expansively fruited Sangiovese from the northern end of the Clare Valley. Moves from sweet to savoury. The former leaves the dominate impression though. Raspberry coulis and darker cherry-bramble notes merging with dried herbs, leathery tannin, aniseed and earth. Some sun-dried … Continue reading

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2012 Byrne Family Limited Release Grenache

Production of 110 dozen sourced from Clare Valley bush vines ranging between thirty and eighty years of age. Around the medium-bodied mark with dark red berry-cherry fruit, sarsaparilla, charcoal overtones of black Cyprus salt and malt. Minty refreshment. The acidity … Continue reading

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2012 Richmond Grove Limited Release Watervale Riesling

I’m not sure exactly how limited it is. Juicy, generous Riesling. Plenty of flavour and good length. Aromatic and becoming. Pulpy lime, jasmine, white stonefruit and wet slate. Fine acidity. A chalky conclusion to the whole affair. Doesn’t sound a … Continue reading

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2013 Jim Barry The Florita Riesling

Is it just me or has the Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling stolen the Florita’s thunder of late? No matter, both have a place at my table. And the more approachable Watervale version probably outsells them both. I reckon this … Continue reading

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2013 Kirrihill Clare Valley Vermentino

Tropically accented Vermentino with a lemony undertow and substantial body. A good example of why we should be wary of making assumptions based on listed ABVs. Melon and stonefruit mid-palate weight, some herbaceous notes. A few sugar coated almonds. Texture … Continue reading

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2013 Pikes The Merle Riesling

Pikes have established themselves as one the stars of the classic dry Australian Riesling scene and deservedly so. The Merle is the pinnacle of their efforts and while it may take more time to make its case in comparison to the excellent ‘Traditionale’ label, with time … Continue reading

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2012 Kirrihill Clare Valley Grenache Sangiovese Tempranillo

The most fruit forward and approachable of the new Kirrihill “Alternative Range” wines. Good weeknight pizza fare if a little too steeply priced. Some fleshiness on the palate. Red and black berries and cherries, drinking chocolate (texture and flavour), crushed … Continue reading

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