Hunter Valley Semillon and Rieslings from the Clare and Eden Valleys have a proven ability to age. Mature Clare Valley Rieslings are a very different beast to young examples, the brisky citrusy acidity of youth softens and the wine typically fleshes out on the palate.
In the era of natural cork ageing Australia’s greatest aromatic white wines was something of a lottery. Lay a case down for a decade plus and there was one guarantee, not one bottle would look the same; some would retain a bright silvery yellow of youth, while others would be golden amber, oxidised and shot.
The adoption of the screw cap has largely put paid to any oxidation problems. In 1999, Clare Valley Riesling producers were among the first regions in the world to bottle the majority of their production under screw cap.
We should be grateful to the folks at Jim Barry for having the patience to hold back the release of a small parcel of their 1999 Lodge Hill Riesling, offering it to the market as a mature wine 15 years after vintage. It is a pristine example of mature Clare Valley Riesling, bright golden yellow in colour with hallmark aromatics of honey, buttered toast and lime. It is proof positive, if ever needed, that screw cap is the logical closure for ageworthy aromatic wines of this ilk.
1999 JIM BARRY ‘LODGE HILL’ RIESLING
Producer: Jim Barry
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 1999
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $40.00
Date tasted: 5 December 2014
Tasting Note:
Bright golden yellow. Mature Riesling nose of honey, buttered toast, key lime pie, menthol, lime blossom. Dry, medium bodied, texture envelops the acidity (which has softened appreciably). Flavour profile is the same as the nose, albeit not as complex. Mature Riesling in pristine condition.
Score: 16.5/20
In the era of natural cork ageing Australia’s greatest aromatic white wines was something of a lottery. Lay a case down for a decade plus and there was one guarantee, not one bottle would look the same; some would retain a bright silvery yellow of youth, while others would be golden amber, oxidised and shot.
The adoption of the screw cap has largely put paid to any oxidation problems. In 1999, Clare Valley Riesling producers were among the first regions in the world to bottle the majority of their production under screw cap.
We should be grateful to the folks at Jim Barry for having the patience to hold back the release of a small parcel of their 1999 Lodge Hill Riesling, offering it to the market as a mature wine 15 years after vintage. It is a pristine example of mature Clare Valley Riesling, bright golden yellow in colour with hallmark aromatics of honey, buttered toast and lime. It is proof positive, if ever needed, that screw cap is the logical closure for ageworthy aromatic wines of this ilk.
1999 JIM BARRY ‘LODGE HILL’ RIESLINGProducer: Jim Barry
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 1999
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $40.00
Date tasted: 5 December 2014
Tasting Note:
Bright golden yellow. Mature Riesling nose of honey, buttered toast, key lime pie, menthol, lime blossom. Dry, medium bodied, texture envelops the acidity (which has softened appreciably). Flavour profile is the same as the nose, albeit not as complex. Mature Riesling in pristine condition.
Score: 16.5/20
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