Jim Barry Assyrtiko 2019- Clare Valley, South Australia- Spectacular!
Yes, you read correctly, Assyrtiko, the classic Greek varietal is now grown in Australia, since August 2012 no less. When you think about it, the climate in Clare Valley and surrounding wine regions is most definitely Mediterranean so it makes sense that it was bound to appear at some point. In the past decade, Australian winemakers have been planting and experimenting with 100’s of different varietals you would not expect to see with some excellent results. This is a classic example.
Delicate aromas of citrus, pear, apple, and saline are impressively showcased.
The palate is where things happen. Lively and refreshing with a sensational mouthfeel that frames layers of citrus- lemon and orange peel, green apple, wet stone, and a hint of saline. Not unlike the dry Rieslings, that Jim Barry and Clare Valley are known for, just more like a half-brother with an interesting past. Just a hint of sweetness on the rather long finish. Absolutely delicious and a must for spring and summer parties.
I am inclined to drink this young and enjoy the lively freshness.
Pair with Shellfish, Scallops, grilled fish, oysters, and salads. If that is not enough, check out what the Greeks pair with it. The adage ‘what grows together, goes together’ applies. I paired grilled fish and chicken with lemon and octopus when I was in Mykonos last summer.
Nick Haselgrove Wines Old Vine McLaren Vale Grenache 2021
Tir Na N’og Grenache 2021- the name means a land of perpetual youth, the Irish equivalent of Elysium.
This single vineyard Grenache consists of just over an acre of vines so do not expect to see this anywhere in quantity, it is the very definition of highly allocated.
Smooth, elegant, and seductive with enticing aromas of dark raspberries, and rose water, with just a hint of spices and oak.
This medium-bodied Grenache packs a punch with depth, complexity, and balance all laid out. This is classic McLaren Vale Grenache and an absolute delight to drink.
Intricate layers of raspberries, dark cherries, and red currants dominate with just traces of oak, spices, sweet tobacco, and plum acting as a ribbon completing the package.
There is just a hint of sweetness from the mid-palate all the way through to a long finish.
Cellar out to 2030 without a problem.
Wakefield Winery- St Andrews Releases
The St Andrews Vineyard Releases are nearly impossible to get so good hunting Make no mistake these are excellent wines displaying all the restraint and elegance that is so characteristic of Clare Valley. These wines display exceptional mouthfeel, texture, and balance- the 14.5% alcohol is well and truly kept in check.
The vineyard is named after the historical property established in 1892 after the family acquired the property in 1996, with the first vintage released in 1999. It is worth noting that these flagship wines are only released on outstanding vintages.
Clare Valley Cabernet 2017
Immediately impressive aromas of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, mint, and spices.
What is promised on the nose is delivered on the palate with just a hint of tobacco and oak. There is a lot going on with this wine- depth and complexity on full display stamped -with an unassuming authority.
This is a delight to drink now, with a few hours of decanting, but you will be rewarded if you are patient enough to cellar this out a further 8 – 10 years.
Pairings should include your favorite red meat dishes: barbecued red meat, casseroles, hearty tomato-based pasta, and Pepperoni Pizza. I am always partial to Baba Ganoush, with Falafels and freshly baked Pita bread with big reds.
Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
2018 was an excellent vintage with winemakers happy with high-quality fruit and good yields. The Indian summer of March and early April was ‘the icing on the cake’, with average temperatures, without extremes, perfect for finishing off vintage.
https://barossawine.com/barossa-vintages/barossa-vintage-reports/barossa-2018-vintage-report/
This Shiraz stands strong as an example of the vintage.
Enticing aromas, and a smooth mouthfeel with dark fruits, plums, and chocolate that leaves a lasting impression. Big, bold, and unashamedly self-confident, this is a delight to drink, from the first sip to the end of the bottle.
This is all Clare Valley Shiraz, with a twist: violets, mocha, and vanilla add to the nose with bold, rich layers of dark fruits, mocha, and vanilla with secondary notes of black currant, plum, black cherries, and an earthy leather note on a long finish. The finish seems sweeter than it is with excellent length on the finish.
Excellent drinking now, with a few hours of decanting, but will show noticeable improvement over the next 8 – 10 years.
Pairing should include Roast Lamb, just about any red meat from the grill, Pepperoni Pizza, and Meat Lasagna.
Vine to Table 