2023 Jim Barry Single Vineyard McKay's Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley

An earlier-drinking offering, though cellaring would likewise be prudent and pleasing. Juicy in texture with crisp edges and a peaky, zesty finish that trails off with lemon-lime while upfront, quite distinctly talc-soaked apple juice characters are abundant. Generous perfume, more floral, frangipani and lemon blossom with faint yeasty-bread dough notes in tow. While driven with a bristling acid profile, there's a fruit-driven purity and prettiness here.

93 points Special Value Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Jim Barry Wines is a cornerstone of Clare Valley winemaking, founded in 1959 by Jim Barry himself, the first qualified winemaker from Roseworthy Agricultural College. The family’s deep connection to the region’s vineyards is legendary, and today the estate is run by second and third-generation Barrys, with a continued focus on crafting benchmark Riesling. The McKay’s Vineyard, located in the Watervale subregion, is a single site celebrated for its rich terra rossa soils over limestone. Watervale’s combination of warm days, cool nights, and the distinctive minerality from its geology produces Riesling of exceptional purity, intensity, and ageing potential.

The Jim Barry Single Vineyard McKay’s Watervale Riesling shows a luminous pale straw colour with green highlights. Aromas of lime zest, white blossom, and fresh-cut apple leap from the glass, joined by hints of wet slate and crushed quartz. The palate is taut and precise, delivering concentrated citrus and green apple flavours supported by laser-like acidity and a chalky, mineral edge. It is bone dry, with an elegant structure that promises graceful evolution over time. The long, mouth-watering finish reflects both the vineyard’s character and the Barrys’ meticulous winemaking.

This Riesling is superb alongside Coffin Bay oysters, grilled whiting with lemon and capers, Thai green papaya salad, or goat’s cheese with fresh herbs. While vibrant and delicious now, it will cellar for 15 years or more, developing classic aged Riesling notes of toast, honey, and lanolin while retaining its core of citrus.