Yalumba
In 1849 Samuel Smith, an English brewer who emigrated to Australia, purchased a 30 acre parcel of land in the Barossa Valley just outside of Angaston that he named ‘Yalumba’ (an aboriginal word meaning ‘all the land around’).
Since then ‘Yalumba’ has grown into an estate producing some of the best wines in Australia and collecting more awards than can be mentioned here. 163 years since Yalumba began, the winery is still family owned, residing under Robert Hill Smith (fifth generation
descendant of Samuel Smith).
Many years, innovations and awards since its foundation Yalumba still sets a high standard both in terms of its methods of production, and the wines that have earned them their reputation.
Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Viognier 2010, Margaret River.
Pear and stone fruits mingle on the palate and are joined by outstanding floral aromas of honeysuckle. Wonderful by itself the ‘Y Series’ Viognier would also make a terrific partner to fish or pork cooked with rosemary.
Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache 2010, Barossa Valley.
Sweet plums and red cherries around a core of ripe black fruits and well integrated tannins. Well balanced and very drinkable this wine is medium in weight but packed full of flavour. A welcome accompaniment to a juicy roast dinner.
Yalumba Viognier 2010, Eden Valley.
Partly in barrel and partly in stainless steel, this Viognier is allowed to ferment with wild yeasts indigenous to the vineyards before being left on its lees and given regular batonage for 10 months. This Viognier displays a complexity, a creaminess and a
fuller palate weight that makes it a wine to appreciate as well as enjoy.
Vasse Felix
Founded by Dr Tom Cullity in 1967 and acquired by the Holmes à Court family in 1987, Vasse Felix was Margaret River’s first vineyard and winery.
Margaret River benefits from the maritime influence of the surrounding oceans, which work to reduce seasonal extremes in temperature. The long growing season, characterised by warm summers and wet winters, make it an ideal location to produce wines of outstanding
varietal character and consistent elegance.
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2010, Margaret River.
A remarkable nose and palate of grapefruit, lime, kiwis with a hint of sweet ginger spice. Fermented using wild yeasts and matured in French oak barriques for nine months this is a perfect example of what Margaret River can accomplish with chardonnay. It matches
well with fish dishes and other delicate flavours that do not over-power the more complex and subtle flavours of the wine.
Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2009, Margaret River.
Rich ruby in colour and opulent on the palate, this blend delivers smooth blackberry, plum and raspberry fruit seasoned with spices and a touch of liquorice. Ideal to wash down steak or BBQ meats.
Jim Barry
The late James Brazill Barry, or Jim Barry as he was known, was the first qualified winemaker to work in the Clare Valley of South Australia.
After graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1946 with his diploma in Oenology, Jim accepted a position as winemaker and chemist for the Clarevale Cooperative. In 1959 he established what became Jim Barry Wines and, together with his wife Nancy,
built a business with a strong commitment to technological excellence in winemaking. Since 1985, Jim’s son, Peter James Barry, has presided over the family business as managing director.
The Jim Barry vineyards are situated in the cool uplands of the North Mount Lofty ranges about 50km north of Adelaide and today totals more than 200ha around ten sites in the Clare Valley. The Lodge Hill vineyards, originally intended for Riesling vines but,
thanks to the natural suntrap they form, now producing Riesling and Shiraz, are situated at an altitude of 480 meters on the eastern ranges of the Clare township. All the fruit that makes it to the winery is from these family owned vineyards, ensuring that
the Barry family have control of production from the vinyards to the resultant wine.
The Lodge Hill Riesling 2011, Jim Barry, Clare Valley.
This dry Riesling displays a lime citrus-led palate with the distinctive mineral quality of all decent dry Rieslings. A refreshing acidity and a balanced mouth-feel support the palate’s zingy citrus flavours and its more tropical undertones. Very pleasant by
itself this would also pair well with fish and seafood dishes or aromatic Oriental dishes.
The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2009, Jim Barry, Clare Valley.
Mulberry, raspberry and a hint of coffee on the nose; this cooler climate Shiraz is different to the heavy, gutsy Aussie Shiraz of the Barossa Valley. Red and black fruits fill the palate, joined by mocha and a touch of rosemary. Great with red meats but light
enough in body to match well with pork.