Australia

Clare Valley

Medium

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White

This collaborative effort between Germany’s Dr Ernie Loosen and the Barry family follows an unorthodox path, but achieves a fabulous result that sparks a broader conversation about the diversity and breadth of Australian Riesling. Six tonnes of fruit was hand-harvested from the Barry family’s Wolta Wolta vineyard, planted in 1979, noted for having the longest hang time for Riesling of any Barrys’ vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel, then rested on full yeast lees in 3,000 litre German oak casks for 16 months, before being transferred to stainless steel to sit on fine lees for another month. The resulting flavour profile shows an unusual, exotic character with traces of pithy citrus, quince, a lick of oyster shell, plus subtle melon and nectarine nuances, along with a slatey minerality. It’s the luscious, oily texture that is most arresting, with lush fruitiness balanced by a pliable core of juicy acidity that elongates the complex meld before a puckering dry finish. The Barrys have kept 40% of this vintage for later release, to show off aged characteristics.

Riesling

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

LoosenBarry-Wolts-Wolta-Riesling.jpg

This collaborative effort between Germany’s Dr Ernie Loosen and the Barry family follows an unorthodox path, but achieves a fabu

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

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