2015 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling Cellar Release, Clare Valley

Medium-full, bright yellow; gorgeous aged riesling bouquet of honey, lemon curd and burnt lime, very subtle toastiness considering its age, the same flavours fill the mouth in the most delicious fashion. Wonderful balance and irresistible drinkability. Beautiful wine drinking at its peak of maturity. 04 Jan 2026 Drink 2026–2031

97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.

2015 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling Cellar Release, Clare Valley, is a classic aged Australian Riesling that shows just how gracefully this style evolves with time. Jim Barry Wines has been a cornerstone of the Clare Valley since 1959, founded by Jim Barry himself, the region’s first qualified winemaker. Lodge Hill sits at higher altitude on the eastern side of the Clare Valley, where cooler temperatures and elevated sites slow ripening and preserve piercing natural acidity. This cellar release has been held back by the winery under ideal conditions, allowing the wine to develop complexity while retaining its hallmark freshness and drive.

Pale lemon gold in colour, the wine opens with lifted aromas of lime curd, lemon zest and green apple, layered with classic aged Riesling notes of toast, beeswax and a gentle kerosene nuance. The palate is taut yet generous, with concentrated citrus flavours, fine texture and a vibrant acid line that carries effortlessly through the finish. Time in bottle has added depth and savoury complexity, with hints of dried herbs and subtle honeyed notes emerging without any loss of clarity. It is superb with fresh oysters, grilled prawns, Thai or Vietnamese dishes with lime and herbs, pork with crackling, or aged hard cheeses. While drinking beautifully now, it has the structure to continue evolving for another ten to fifteen years, gaining further richness and tertiary complexity.