Product Description
The Jim Barry Single Vineyard Watervale Shiraz 2021 showcases the elegance and refinement of the Watervale subregion in the Clare Valley, an area renowned for producing some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines. For over 55 years, the Barry family has carefully nurtured a mosaic of vineyards across the Clare Valley, each with its own unique soil, site, and aspect. The Watervale Vineyard—with its cool, elevated position—produces Shiraz that is distinctive in its restraint and balance, reflecting the true character of this unique site.
Picked at optimum ripeness and matured in French oak, this wine displays a subtle yet complex profile. The 2021 Watervale Shiraz demonstrates the cool climate’s influence, offering a wine that is elegant, with structured tannins and a refined fruit profile. It’s a wine of great finesse, showing restraint while still offering the depth and complexity that makes the Clare Valley such a prestigious wine-growing region.
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.
Philosophy
The philosophy of Jim Barry Wines is rooted in a profound respect for the land, combined with a commitment to crafting wines that express the very best of their terroir. The Barry family believes that the key to exceptional wine starts in the vineyard. Their focus on owning and managing their own vineyards allows them to control every aspect of the winemaking process, from soil management to harvesting. This meticulous care ensures the production of high-quality fruit, which is the foundation of the winery’s success.
With over 60 years of winemaking experience, Jim Barry Wines has developed a deep understanding of the diverse microclimates and soil profiles across their vineyards. The family’s dedication to excellence is reflected in their work with low-yielding, old-vine fruit, which is key to crafting wines of depth, complexity, and exceptional character. From the iconic Armagh Shiraz to the world-renowned Florita Riesling, each wine from Jim Barry Wines is an expression of the unique land and the family’s ongoing commitment to creating wines that tell the story of the Clare Valley’s rich winemaking history.
The Jim Barry Wines philosophy celebrates the balance between traditional winemaking techniques and innovative approaches, ensuring that every bottle produced is a testament to the winery’s unwavering dedication to quality and craftsmanship. The family’s vision, passed down through three generations, continues to shape the future of Jim Barry Wines, ensuring its place at the forefront of the Australian wine industry.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Blackberry, Spices, Subtle Oak
Layers of ripe blackberry and dark fruits, enhanced by subtle spices from the oak maturation. An underlying earthiness and freshness, reflective of the cool-climate site, adding depth to the aromatic profile.
Palate
Black Cherry, Plums, Pepper, Fine Tannins
Elegant and finely textured, with black cherry and plum flavours. A hint of white pepper and spice that complements the fruit, along with subtle nuances from the French oak maturation. The tannins are fine and smooth, creating a harmonious and balanced mouthfeel.
Finish
Long, Balanced, Mineral Freshness
A refreshing mineral edge that reflects the terroir of the Watervale vineyard. The wine’s acidity ensures a refreshing lift, while the fine tannins carry the flavours beautifully, leaving a lasting impression of balance and elegance.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Clare Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%