Jim Barry Watervale Riesling

Just 15km down the road from the Clare Valley is the township of Watervale. This village has a tiny population of around 250 but a massive reputation for kick ass Riesling!

And Riesling from the Watervale doesn’t come much more iconic than the Jim Barry Watervale Riesling. They’ve been producing this Riesling for over 50 years now with the first vintage in 1974. The Florita vineyard used for this one was a vineyard originally planted in 1946 to make Fino Sherry but replanted in 1962 for Riesling.

A crisp, zippy and zesty dry style white you could easily find yourself knocking back with gusto in the warmer months. But honestly, this is just such a gorgeously easy style, lower in alcohol white to slurp any time of the year.

The Jim Barry crew describe it as “Delicate. Fragrant. Elegant. And a classic Watervale musk”

This latest 2025 release is yet again on the money. Scoring 92/100 and a Top Value Award with The Real Review’s Aaron Brasher who said “First released in 1974, this wine delivers archetypal Clare Valley riesling at a great price, year in, year out. This latest release ticks all the boxes and is a gloriously drinkable riesling that performs well now and will also cellar beautifully for another 7-10 years. And all this for a touch more than a ‘lobster’ ($20).”

“Bright and lively, youthful in the glass. Pretty aromas of lemon rind, white flowers, bath salts and wet stone. Juicy, generously flavoured and with a lovely core of citrus and just-ripe stone fruit. The acidity is crunchy and punchy and there’s just a tickle of phenolics bringing some grip and texture. Great value.”

Riesling is well known to be a white that cellars well. Drink this now to 10-12 years from vintage.