Supreme value Riesling drinking from Jim Barry

Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2017

You know what this wine is? A saviour.

When you find yourself stuck in a sleepy regional town with one supermarket bottleshop open, you at least know that this will be on the shelf. A vital, juicy, distinctively regional white wine that has acidity, fruit flavour and length, all at a price that is often closer to $15 rather than $20.

This ’17 is one of the better vintages too. There’s classic Watervale lemon lime cordial, if cast with a dash of green melon from a cooler year.  The palate is very primary, generous through the middle but then pulls up with prominent acidity and a slatey, almost powdered stony edge.

Simply delicious white wine for immediate drinking. It’s not a superstar in intensity or definition, but there’s soul here for few dollars. Winner.

Best drinking: 2017-2018 but it will live for ten years plus. I prefer it within 12 months, but that’s me. 17.7/20, 92/100. 12%, $20. Would I buy it? Yes.