NOW EXPERIENCING:The Clare Valley wines we’re loving right now
Vine Guide|Pinot Gris|Wine|Shiraz

The Clare Valley wines we’re loving right now

Read time 5 Mins

Posted 06 Oct 2022

By
Madeleine Horrigan

Bottles of O'Leary Walker Riesling in an ice bucket

It’s a small region with bold style. Tap into the diverse wines of Clare with these five beauties.

Hidden away in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia, the Clare Valley is a small region with a big reputation for world-class wines. It was the region’s crisp, zesty rieslings with racy acidity and plush, full-bodied shiraz that originally put Clare on the map. And rightly so. But today’s producers boast a phenomenal range of styles and varieties, like pinot gris and cabernet blends, that just go to show how versatile this region and its wines can be. From great classics to exciting modern expressions, here are five wines from the Clare that we’re absolutely loving right now.
Food and wine on a table al fresco

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1. O’Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling

After 35 years working as senior winemakers for prestigious wine companies, David O'Leary and Nick Walker took a leap of faith and launched their own brand. Many thought they were crazy, but these two proved the naysayers wrong – and then some. Today, they’re crafting a range of exceptional, vegan-friendly, small batch wines. Among them is their Polish Hill River Riesling, which hails from an iconic Clare Valley subregion of the same name known for its slatey minerality. This aromatic, pretty expression is perfumed with white florals, musk stick and freshly squeezed lime, and the palate is alive with a fine minerality balanced by natural acidity. Pure perfection on those warm summer evenings.

2. Tim Adams Pinot Gris

The Clare Valley may be best known for its rieslings, but trust us when we say she’s no one trick pony. And you need look no further than Tim Adams Pinot Gris for proof. With hallmark aromas of fragrant pear and spice on the nose, there certainly is no mistaking the variety in the bottle. But this isn’t your average pinot gris; it’s a textural,  full-bodied wine that retains the grape’s natural blush colouring, offering a truer expression of varietal character. The rose-gold hue complements the well enticing flavours of lychee, white peach and sweet spice. Tim Adams describes it as a joy to make, and we think it’s a joy to drink.
Pouring a glass of Tim Adams Pinot Gris

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A lady sits at a picnic table outdoors holding a glass of red wine

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3. Claymore Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz

Do you own a record player, an amp and an extensive collection of vinyl? If the answer is yes, or I wish, then this is the wine for you. Staying true to their rock ‘n’ roll reputation, Claymore evokes the genius of Pink Floyd with this brooding yet elegant shiraz. Sounds intense but don’t fret (geddit?), the Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz is a serious wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With a solid tannic beat, spanking acidic rhythm and moreish riffs of ripe blackberries and baking spice, it’s a fun, approachable drop that is perfect enjoyed with friends, a good feed and some classic tunes.

4. Grosset Wines: Grosset Gaia Cabernet Blend

When you think of Clare Valley wine, it’s usually riesling and shiraz that come to mind. But did you know this region has a reputation for killer cabernets too? Case in point: the Grosset Gaia Cabernet Blend. Since establishing the Gaia Vineyard in 1986, iconic winemaker Jeffrey Grosset has been producing exceptional red wines from a blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. This purple elixir is intensely perfumed with blackberry, dark cherry and blackcurrant; the palate fresh with plush tannins and Grosset’s trademark approachability. With fantastic fruity exuberance in its youth, this wine is made for the long haul. Set aside a few bottles in the cellar to return to in the next 5, 10, 15 years. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
A bottle of the Grosset Gaia Cabernet Blend with snacks

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A bottle of Jim Barry wine lying on harvested grapes

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5. Jim Barry The Nurses Series Cabernet Sauvignon

This cabernet sauvignon is special for many reasons. Like all things under the Jim Barry label, it’s a beautifully crafted wine that offers a classic example of the variety and the region, all wrapped up in a delicious package. A moreish wine with layers of dark bramble fruit and baking spice, along with refreshing acidity and plush tannins, it’s a must-try for any cab lover. We also think the candy-stripe pink capsule and pink-padded batswoman label are particularly chic. But what makes this wine especially noteworthy is the good it does for the community. The Nurses Series is the realisation of a special partnership between Jim Barry Wines and The McGrath Foundation, and every bottle of this wonderful cabernet sold will help fund specialist nursing care for breast cancer patients.
Thirsty yet? Learn more about the beautiful wines of the Clare Valley in Dan's Vine Guide. We've got everything you need to know about wineries, breweries, activities and adventures.
Shop related products
O'Leary WalkerPolish Hill River Riesling
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Polish Hill River Riesling
$31.99 each
 
Tim AdamsClare Valley Pinot Gris
Clare Valley Pinot Gris
$19.99 each
 
ClaymoreDark Side of the Moon Shiraz
Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz
$22.99 each
 
GrossetGaia Cabernet Blend
Gaia Cabernet Blend
$107.99 each
 
Jim BarryThe Nurse Series Cabernet Sauvignon
The Nurse Series Cabernet Sauvignon
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$19 per bottle Non-Member: $21.99 each
 
Authour image
Madeleine HorriganMadeleine Horrigan is a Melbourne-based writer and all-round drinks enthusiast. When her nose isn't in a glass, it's in a travel guide planning her next adventure in a wine region.
Tags
Vine GuideRieslingVine GuideAustralian regionWine RegionsTravelCabernet SauvignonWineShirazWineryPinot GrisClare Valley
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