Product Description
The Jim Barry Florita Riesling 2024 is a wine that embodies the unique history and terroir of the Florita Vineyard, one of the Clare Valley’s most iconic sites. Located in the tiny village of Watervale, this vineyard has long been regarded as the birthplace of some of the finest Riesling in Australia. Originally planted to Palomino in 1946 for Fino Sherry production and replanted to Riesling in 1962, Florita is a testament to the Clare Valley's winemaking heritage. Since purchasing the vineyard in 1986, the Barry family has dedicated themselves to producing a Riesling that reflects the region's unparalleled climate and soil conditions.
The 2024 Florita Riesling is a micro-batch wine, carefully crafted from individual rows where the terra rossa and loam barely cover the deep limestone below. Handpicked in the cool of the night to preserve the freshness of the grapes, the fruit is gently destemmed and pressed to ensure the purity of flavour. The result is a wine that is crystalline, vibrant, and intensely aromatic, with a long and elegant finish that reflects the extraordinary quality of the Florita Vineyard.
Maker
Jim Barry Wines is a name deeply woven into the fabric of South Australia's Clare Valley, a region renowned for its world-class wines. Established by Jim Barry, the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, the winery’s legacy is one of pioneering spirit, innovation, and a commitment to producing exceptional wines. Jim’s journey began in 1947 when he graduated from Roseworthy Agricultural College, and over the following decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Clare Valley into a benchmark region for Riesling and premium Australian wines.
Jim’s early mentorship from Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi helped solidify the vision for Leeuwin Estate and the Barry family's future in winemaking. Today, Peter Barry, Jim’s son, serves as the managing director, continuing the family’s legacy of producing site-expressive wines with dedication and precision. Now, three generations of the Barry family work alongside a skilled team to produce outstanding wines from the family’s extensive portfolio of vineyards in the Clare Valley and Coonawarra regions. The estate’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and respect for the land ensures that Jim Barry Wines remains at the forefront of Australian winemaking.
Vineyard | Florita Vineyard
The Florita Vineyard is one of the Clare Valley’s most historic and prized Riesling sites. Located in the tiny village of Watervale, approximately 15 kilometers south of Clare, this 80-acre vineyard was originally planted to Palomino for Fino Sherry production in 1946. It was replanted to Riesling in 1962, and has since become a benchmark for premium Australian Riesling. The vineyard’s shallow loamy soils, combined with its good air drainage, offer the perfect conditions for producing exceptional Riesling.
Florita’s 50-year-old Riesling vines thrive in the cool, elevated position of the vineyard, where they benefit from the consistent airflow that alleviates the risk of frost. The vineyard’s gentle rolling hills and exceptional drainage ensure that the Riesling grapes ripen slowly, allowing for maximum flavour development. Known for its minerality and purity, Florita Riesling continues to receive widespread acclaim for its aromatic complexity, fine structure, and long, vibrant finish. This iconic vineyard consistently produces some of the finest Riesling in Australia, highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
Tasting Notes
Nose
White Florals, Orange Blossom, Exotic Lime
Beautifully aromatic, bursting with white florals, orange blossom, and orange rind, complemented by exotic lime, bath salts, and fresh wild lavender. An intoxicating preview of the wine’s complex and expressive character.
Palate
Crystalline, Intense Flavours, Dried Lime Leaves
Crystalline from the moment it enters, with the delicate floral and citrus characters of the nose flowing seamlessly through to the palate. Intense flavours of lime, orange blossom, and mineral nuances are balanced by a refreshing acidity, leading to a finish that is graced by dried lime leaves. Depth, power, and a remarkable long drive.
Finish
Long, Powerful, Elegant
Incredibly long, with the intense, crystalline flavour profile lingering on the palate. The wine’s natural acidity gives it a refreshing lift, ensuring that it finishes with a precise and elegant flourish. This wine is an absolute powerhouse, with the potential to age beautifully for decades.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Australia
Region - Clare Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.4%
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