Jim Barry’s straightforward 2004 Riesling Lodge Hill offers one-dimensional white currant and apple-like fruit along with a dry finish. Consume it over the next year. Readers who are wondering about Jim Barry’s flagship offering, the Shiraz Armagh, should refer to issue #155, where both the 2001 and 2002 received fabulous reviews. I have not yet tasted the unreleased 2003 The Armagh. However, I did recently taste the 1989 Shiraz The Armagh, and rated it 93 points. It is a magnificent wine still on the upside of its potential. These cuvees can easily last 20-25 years. Importer: Negociants, USA, Napa CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

Oysters, porches, weddings—the Lodge Hill is just this type of wine. Citrus peel on the nose ushers in gooseberry and chalk flavors on the palate. It’s clean and refreshing, with a medium-length finish. Imported by Negociants U.S.A., Inc. ——D.T.(10/1/2005)—— 85