Situated some 130km north of state capital Adelaide, Clare Valley is the northernmost wine region within the Mount Lofty Ranges zone of South Australia, one of the 6 Federated States of the island continent. Clare Valley is not only one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, but also one of the most beautiful, epitomised by the Riesling Trail.
By no means large in production volume, Clare Valley punches well above its weight in quality and reputation, often referred to as the home of Australian Riesling. In one way or another, Clare Valley Riesling is to Australia what Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is to New Zealand – both being authentically compelling New World interpretation of the noble varieties, not pale imitation of their Old World counterparts.
The Clare Valley region was first explored in the late 1830s, and in 1840 the town of Clare was founded, developing into a copper mining centre. Immigrants from England, Ireland and Poland began to arrive soon afterwards, bringing along their diverse cultures, be it in the form of architecture or cuisine. Vines were first planted in 1853 around the town of Watervale, through which the Riesling Trail runs between Auburn and Clare.
Clare Valley possesses a wide range of terroirs, from valley floors to slopes and plateaux. Its mild continental climate is characterised by substantial diurnal temperature variation, low humidity and plenty of sunshine hours – all being moderated by sea breeze from Spencer Gulf to the west and Gulf St Vincent to the south. Most of its vines are planted at 400m to 500m above sea level in vineyards with marly limestone and shale as the main soil composition.
This boutique wine region is dominated by family-owned quality-conscious estates, totally no more than 5,500ha under vine. In addition to Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are Clare Valley’s other specialities; the region also produces smart Chardonnay, Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Grenache. Jacky I.F. Cheong
Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling 2013
Luminous lemon-lime with glimmering metallic reflex, the pristine nose effuses lime peel, bergamot, Japanese pear, lemongrass and lemon blossom. Braced by racy acidity and articulate minerality, the animated palate emanates lemon peel, calamansi, green apple, verbena and frangipani. Medium-bodied at 12.5%, the uplifting entry continues through a pure mid-palate, leading to an enchanting finish.
Mount Horrocks Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Dark garnet with rich crimson-carmine rim, the brooding nose provides cassis, black cherry, vanilla spice, star anise, dark chocolate and cedarwood. Buttressed by abundant acidity and dense tannins, the redolent palate supplies bilberry, damson, mint, allspice, black coffee and fresh earth. Medium-full bodied at 14%, the tangy entry evolves into an intense mid-palate, leading to a peppery finish.
Mount Horrocks Watervale Semillion 2011
Bright lemon-yellow with light golden reflex, the attractive nose offers pear, apricot, nectarine, crème Chantilly and pistachio. Underpinned by vivacious acidity and palpable minerality, the supple palate delivers loquat, mirabelle, white peach, fleur de sel and fresh butter. Medium-full bodied at 13%, the fleshy entry carries onto a corpulent mid-palate, leading to a creamy finish.
Mount Horrocks Clare Valley Shiraz 2010
Reddish black with bright rosewood-Tyrian purple rim, the scented nose presents bilberry, damson, spice box, mocha, cedarwood and crushed rock. Supported by juicy acidity and ripe tannins, the evocative palate furnishes cassis, prune, rose tisane, black pepper, porcini mushroom and sandalwood. Full-bodied at 13.5%, the expressive entry persists through an exuberant mid-palate, leading to a spiced finish.
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