Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Clare Valley Shiraz 2008
Having already purchases a small Shiraz vineyard on the Armagh flats in 1964, it was Jim’s Barry’s intention to devote the entire Lodge Hill vineyard to premium Riesling. However while Jim was pottering around with his trusty shovel, digging here and there, he discovered a very different soil profile on a small north facing slope. Warmer than the rest of the property Jim decided it was the perfect place for premium Shiraz vines. The rest is history’.
Fruit from the Lodge Hill vineyard has been an important contributor to the Jim Barry portfolio over the past two decades but in recent years hasn't received recognition in its own right.
"It's the perfect environment for low-yielding shiraz vines. It looks like soil that's good enough to drink and the rich earthiness is reflected in wines made from the block." say Peter Barry of Jim Barry Wines. The soil in the shiraz vineyard consists of about 40-50 centimetres of rich, chocolaty loam over rock consisting of almost vertical sheets. The cracks between the sheets have been filled with soil, providing passage for the vine roots and free drainage.
