O'Leary Walker, Riesling, Clare Valley, 2013

96
Tasted by: Roger Jones, Sarah Knowles MW, Anthony Rose
(at Decanter magazine's April 2018 issue Australian Riesling panel tasting, 18 Nov 2017)
Drinking Window: 2018 - 2022
O’Leary Walker was created in in 2000 by winemakers David O’Leary and Nick Walker. After long stints with some well-known companies, they decided to create their own small-batch wines from varieties that excel in different viticultural climates, including Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills and Shiraz from McLaren Vale. This Riesling is sourced from Martin and Joan Smith’s biodynamically farmed vineyard in Polish Hill River, where soils are grey loam over sandstone and slate. Roger Jones: Full-flavoured honey, toast and lime curd are complemented by a vibrant spritz that leaves a clean, fresh finish. A zippy and exciting wine. Sarah Knowles MW: Complex kerosene and lemon nose with lime and grapefruit on the palate. Savoury notes come through too, backed fresh acidity. Lacks just a little intensity on the mid-palate, but this is great value. Anthony Rose: Fine, evolved nose of citrus, petrol and toast and also suggesting sweetness, which translates onto the palate as ripe roasted apricots. It’s all underpinned by firm acidity and a fine, dry finish – fabulous!
O'Leary Walker, Riesling, Clare Valley 2013
Producer
O'Leary Walker
Brand
Riesling
Vintage
2013
Wine Type
Still
Colour
White
Country
Australia
Region
South Australia
Appellation
Clare Valley
Sweetness
Dry
Closure
Screwcap/Stelvin
Alcohol
12.00%
Body
Light
Oak
Unoaked
Grapes
Riesling