Clare Valley

Grosset’s Polish Hill from Australia’s Clare Valley is one of New World’s greatest Rieslings.  I’m not always a fan of dryer Rieslings, but this has a delightful richness on the mid-palate which makes it a delightfully complete wine.

Jeffrey Grosset, an oenology graduate, gained vast experience with large Australian wine companies, such as Lindemans, before starting his own winery in 1981in the historic township of Auburn, in the Clare Valley. 

The winery is based in a picturesque old butter and ice factor. These vineyards have the most advanced vine canopy management system in the region and the virtual absence of chemicals in pest and disease control is unique. Grosset  has built up a reputation as one of Australia’s best producers, particularly famous for his Riesling.  "One of Australia's best small wineries, producing delicious Riesling" (Hugh Johnson). 

Jeffrey Grosset has been held in such high esteem amongst his peers for his work with the Riesling grape that back in 1998 he won the accolade of 'Riesling Winemaker of the Year' in Hamburg, Germany.

A testament to his winemaking efforts, is his Polish hill Riesling being rated in the Langton’s classification as exceptional (only 17 wines in total and only 3 of these being white wine make this grade) alongside other iconic wines such as Penfolds Grange and Clarendon hills Astralis.

Langton's Classification of Australian Wine is a grouping of high-end Australian wines compiled by the Melbourne and Sydney based auction house Langton's, first released in 1991. The Classification is a ranking of the best performing wines based on market demand and vintages made. The Langton's Classification is split into four categories; Exceptional, Outstanding, Excellent and Distinguished.
Chris Pollington, Fine Wine

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 The Armagh Shiraz flaunts a gorgeous aromatic red and black fruit core intermingled with clove, chocolate box, and eucalyptus aromas that are still very primary. Bottled under screw cap, it has a really fine palate that is very elegant yet powerful. With vibrant acid, firm and very fine tannins, the flavors are rich and layered with spices coming through on the long finish. Drink it from 2015 to 2030+. 
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Nov 2015

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Shiraz The Armagh offers a gorgeous perfume of baking spices, violets, Sichuan pepper and fragrant earth. More earthy and savory in the mouth than on the nose, the palate is superbly structured and taut—built for the long-haul—with a long, complex finish. Still very youthfully, forget this wine for 3-5 more years and consider drinking it over the next 20+.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com, Aug 2016

A personal favourite of mine and the Riesling that opened my eyes to this wonderful grape, it would be easy to get misty eyed and assume this is great. Thankfully, the 2017 lives up to its billing and might be one of the best wines Jeff Grosset has ever made. Taut with vibrant citrus, especially the lime lead character that Clare is famous for, this is ultra-steely and mineral, seeming to go on forever. Sensational stuff. This will benefit from 5 or 6 years in the cellar to open up. Sign me up for at least a case! Drink 2022 to 2030+.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

Almost translucent in the glass, the nose reveals a delicate floral bouquet of elderflower and white rose petals, complemented by a soft white peach character. The palate is pleasingly balanced with a slightly rounded texture, a lemon tinged acidity running neatly through it, carrying flavours of greengage and orange zest throughout. A light styled Riesling which is crisp and clean, and rather moreish on the long finish. Attractive for drinking in its youth yet will offer enjoyment over the coming 5-7 years; drink from 2018 – 2025.
Chris Lamb, Private Account Manager

The flagship wine of the Jim Barry range, The Armagh is a wine of immense power, persistence and concentration. 2007 was one of the driest vintages on record so the grapes were small but exceptionally deeply flavoured with a high ratio of solids to liquid. The expected aromas of blackberry and spice are complemented by some blueberry and lifted cranberry notes, with a hint of mint in the background.

On the palate the tannins are much in evidence as one would expect from such a young wine but they are firm, ripe tannins, in no way astringent. The fruit on the palate is a combination of black and red, with dark cherries mingling with redcurrants, but with a beguiling undertone of mushroom and forest undergrowth adding a savoury note. The wine is matured in 100% new French and American oak and yet there is no hint of excessive oak flavour, testament to the sheer concentration of the wine. One to drink over the next 20 years if you have the patience.