By James Atkinson
Jim Barry Wines' latest release Watervale and The Lodge Hill Rieslings exhibit great aromatics and elegance despite the challenging 2014 growing season, according to managing director Peter Barry.
Barry said that after a mild spring, the Clare Valley experienced a series of heatwaves throughout December and January.
"During the important veraison period in January, when berries soften and accumulate sugars and flavour, temperatures were especially extreme with January's average maximum temperature 1.9 degrees above the long term average and with 12 days above 35 degrees," he said.
Barry said it had been a relief to receive significant rain between the 13th and 16th of February.
"The fruit suffered no damage and allowed flavours to develop and catch up," he said.
Barry said said extra precautions were taken in the winery, separating juice from skins quickly and reducing the free run percentage, sending more off to pressings.
"We've learnt to be very careful and guard against phenolics in a year like this. We like our Rieslings to be fresh and vibrant, at the sharp end of the lime/citrus spectrum."