The tiny village of Watervale (population 246), nestled in South Australia’s Clare Valley, is renowned for the quality of its Riesling.” The Jim Barry Riesling is classic Watervale— lemons, limes and a wonderfully clean, crisp finish.

This wine has a straw like clarity with green hues with a lifted and fragrant nose. The aromas are pure and varietal with notable lime juice, lemon, mandarin and lychee flavours with supportive highlights of asian greens, lemongrass and wet slate. The palate is moorish and enticing with firm yet balanced natural acid structure.

A wine created to be enjoyed upon release but also having the character to be cellared into the next decade to increase the complexity already apparent. Delicious with a wide variety of foods, including seafood, chicken and summer salads.

Those who know cricket will be aware of the fielding position called ‘Silly Mid On’. Close to the batsman, requiring very good reflexes and always at risk of being struck by the ball off the bat.

On the southern boundary of Coonawarra is the old Penola cricket ground, which first saw a ball bowled in anger and the flashing cover drives of the local champions in 1950. Sadly, the ground closed in 1996. Soon after Jim Barry purchased the 30 acre property and planted a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.

These aromas are full of complexity - offering senses of cedar, mint and eucalypt. The palate is overwhelmingly satisfying, hinting the Hallmark cabernet characters of cassis, menthol and satsuma plum. The tannins are integrated and well structured. With a long and balanced finish, this wine shows fi nesse and elegance. ‘The Cover Drive’ has been crafted to be enjoyed upon release with a view to medium term cellaring under the correct conditions.

Every year I take delivery of three little pigs. Whilst pigs have the most charming personality, I find their contribution to our family’s famous Christmas hams of most interest. This wine shows excellent depth of fruit and great structure.Perfect with BBQ spare ribs.” Peter Barry.  

The palate is suprisngly complex and still punching above its weight, with cassis, menthol and eucalypt flavours dominating. This wine is refreshingly clean with a medium body and fantastic palate presence. The tannins are well balanced and supple. Ideal for immediate consumption and short-term cellaring.