The friendship between Erni Loosen of the Dr. Loosen Estate in Germany and Peter Barry of Jim Barry Wines in Australia’s Clare Valley began in London in 1995. Forged out of a mutual respect for the noble variety, Riesling, this collaboration of ideas pays homage to the winemaking techniques used in theirnrespective homes of the Mosel and Clare.
So it is that we have Walhalla, Erni’s tribute to Clare made in a pure, crisp, steely style from grapes grownon the grand-cru Treppchen vineyard in the village of Erden. And, from brothers Tom and Sam Barry, an “Aussie GG” to perhaps surpass any other Riesling grown on Australian soil.
Wolta Wolta comes from a very special parcel on the high-altitude (480m) Lodge Hill vineyard. The juice was wild fermented in a traditional German oak Fuder provided by Dr Loosen and raised in the fashion of the Grosses Gewächs wines of the great Mosel estate.
A thoroughly delicious, beguiling, mouth-watering Riesling that totally belies its Clare Valley origins.
Huon Hooke therealrevieww.com
Magic in the mouth; simply beautiful.
James Halliday winecompanion.com.au
Wonderful texture and a high level of complexity
Gary Walsh winefront.com.au
The Australian face of the Loosen/Barry collaboration. Ernie selected a patch of south-facing vines and wild-fermented and matured the wine in a foudre (shipped from his cellar) for 12 months, then 10 months in tank. Magic in the mouth; simply beautiful. Its vinification looks back centuries to when German Riesling was released after 50 years’ maturation. 12.5% alc, screwcap.
98 points James Halliday winecomapnion.com.au
Very light to pale colour. The bouquet is curiously sweaty and reductive, with slaty mineral notes and the entire package is reserved and backward in development. Very fine, elusive perfumes. The palate is very slightly off-dry and deftly combines delicacy and intensity. A thoroughly delicious, beguiling, mouthwatering riesling that totally belies its Clare Valley origins. An exciting wine. A real stunner.
97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com