▴ The Florita Riesling, Jim Barry 2018
The Florita Riesling 2018, Jim Barry, Clare Valley, South Australia
In my book, this is brilliant, benchmark Aussie Riesling at its absolute best. The wine comes from a large single 32ha vineyard in Watervale, first planted by Leo Buring in 1962. The Barrys bought it in 1986 but didn’t release their first batch of this micro-batch premium Riesling until 2004, when it became an instant classic. The 2018 vintage was dry and warm and the fruit was picked in excellent condition. As for the wine, it is very young and vibrant with magnificent purity and minerality. A gorgeously aromatic nose leads on to a palate showcasing stunning freshness alongside bright grapefruit and lime flavours. Needless to say, it is exquisitely dry, focussed, balanced and long. Without question, this will age and improve for two or more decades.
Price £31.36 – £36.00
UK stockists: Great Wines Direct, HIC
US stockist: VINVM
Review Feb 2021, JS