Jim Barry Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017

Region and Vineyards

This Shiraz comes from the Watervale sub-region in the Clare Valley, a distinguished area in South Australia celebrated for producing some of the country’s finest Riesling and Shiraz wines. The Clare Valley, known for its picturesque rolling hills and Mediterranean climate, provides an ideal setting for premium winemaking. The region's combination of cool nights and warm days enhances the fruit’s concentration while retaining freshness, a hallmark of Clare Valley’s terroir.

The Watervale vineyard, where this Shiraz is grown, is meticulously tended by the Barry family, who have cultivated a diverse collection of vineyards across Clare Valley over the last 55 years. Each vineyard is chosen for its unique site, soil, and aspect, and this careful vineyard selection is evident in the single-vineyard wines they produce. The Watervale site, in particular, benefits from cool-site characteristics that lend elegance and structure to the Shiraz grown there.

Winemaking

This 100% Shiraz is harvested at optimal ripeness from Jim Barry’s estate vineyards in Watervale. The wine undergoes maturation in both French and American oak barrels, which adds complexity and integrates beautifully with the fruit. The focus in winemaking is to capture the purity of the vineyard’s fruit, with a restrained approach that lets the terroir’s influence shine through. This Shiraz was crafted by Tom Barry and Ben Marx with an eye to achieving balance and longevity, producing a wine that will age gracefully over the coming decades.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep red hue.
• Aroma: Aromas of dark berry compote, fresh blackberries, and subtle bramble, reflecting a purity of fruit.
• Palate: Juicy and bright on the entry, with notes of dark fruits and a touch of spice. The wine has a well-rounded tannin profile and a vibrant acid line that balances the brooding dark fruit flavors.

Did you know?

Jim Barry Wines holds a significant place in Clare Valley’s winemaking history. Established over half a century ago, the winery has been instrumental in shaping the region's reputation for premium Shiraz and Riesling. The Clare Valley itself has a long winemaking heritage dating back to 1851 and is considered one of Australia’s premier wine regions, accounting for less than 1.5% of the country’s total wine production yet recognized worldwide for its quality.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder: The dark fruit and spice of the Shiraz complement the richness of the lamb and its herbs.
• Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushrooms bring out the wine’s depth, while the creaminess pairs well with its acidity.
• Beef Tenderloin with Peppercorn Sauce: The bold flavors of the beef and peppercorn sauce find harmony with the wine’s tannins and spice notes.
• Aged Cheddar or Comté: The wine’s richness and dark fruit profile balance the sharp, nutty flavors of aged cheeses.

History of Jim Barry Wines Estate

Jim Barry was the first professionally qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating in 1947 and dedicating his life to advancing the region’s winemaking. After years with the Clarevale Co-operative, Jim and Nancy acquired their first vineyard, the Burton Cottage Estate, and began planting. In 1968, they established The Armagh vineyard, where Jim planted Shiraz that would later become the source of the winery’s flagship wine. Over the decades, Jim Barry Wines has achieved a series of industry firsts, including becoming the first Australian winery to plant Assyrtiko in 2012, sourcing cuttings from the Greek island of Santorini.

After Jim Barry’s passing, his son Peter Barry took over management, with his children Tom, Sam, and Olivia now holding key roles within the company. This dedication to family legacy has helped Jim Barry Wines earn prestigious accolades, including the 2020 Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion and an Exceptional rating for The Armagh Shiraz in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley is a premier winemaking region situated at the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Known for its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and unique soils, the region produces less than 1% of Australia’s total wine output but is celebrated for premium Shiraz and Riesling. Jim Barry Wines manages a mosaic of 17 vineyard sites over 320 hectares, each chosen for its unique soil, elevation, and climate profile.

Among the winery’s notable sites are:

• The Armagh Vineyard: Known for producing Shiraz of exceptional depth, planted on northwest-facing slopes with sandy clay and mottled clay subsoils.
• The Florita Vineyard: Located in Watervale, this historic site produces the Florita Riesling and boasts unique loam and calcareous soils ideal for high-acid Riesling.
• The Lodge Hill Vineyard: Located on the eastern ranges, it grows Riesling on south-facing slopes and Shiraz on north-facing slopes, enhancing both variety and terroir expression.

Wine Range

Jim Barry Wines offers a broad portfolio of varietals and styles, notably Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with pioneering the Assyrtiko grape in Australia. Their wine range includes:

• The Armagh Shiraz: A celebrated single-vineyard Shiraz with global acclaim, noted for its depth and aging potential.
• The Florita Riesling: Crafted from historic vines, this Riesling is a benchmark of Watervale’s bright acidity and minerality.
• The McRae Wood Shiraz: Known for its intensity and elegance, this Shiraz reflects the terroir of Clare Valley’s prime Shiraz-growing sites.
• Assyrtiko: Australia’s first commercial release of Assyrtiko, capturing the vibrant acidity and minerality of this Greek variety.

Did you know?

Jim Barry Wines’ The Armagh Shiraz achieved the prestigious Exceptional status in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, equivalent to a “Grand Cru” rating. Additionally, Jim Barry Wines pioneered Assyrtiko in Australia, sourcing vines from Santorini, a groundbreaking introduction that reflects the Barry family’s commitment to innovation and diversity in winemaking.