2013 O'Leary Walker Shiraz

O'Leary Walker Wines was established in 2001 by David O'Leary and Nick Walker. These two long time friends already had long, illustrious winemaking careers with big companies, but both were looking to take control of their own destiny and craft small batches of wine from great vineyard sites. Traditionally a blend of two of Australia's top Shiraz districts Clare Valley and McLaren Vale this years release has a smaller McLaren Vale component and as a result the wine shows a touch more restraint and structure than previous vintages, and will cellar very well. The wine was matured entirely in French oak (25% new and 75% seasoned oak) for a total of 2 years.

Regarded by winemakers David O’Leary and Nick Walker as one of the best Shiraz wines they have produced, this is a top rendition of Clare Valley Shiraz at a price that makes it hard to resist.

Totally opaque inky black colour with a deep dark crimson red black hue. Scented aromas of black cherries, liquorice and blackberries with a light smoky overlay are followed by some subtle dried meat characters and peppery end notes. Full bodied the wines opulent richness is perfectly counterpointed by a sturdy structure. The palate unleashes mouthfilling flavours of ripe blackberries and liquorice alongside some black cherries with an underlying meatiness, subtlety smoked cedar and blackpepper following. Solidly built, yet fine grained tannins and perfectly judged acidity give the wine its framework and just the right amount of freshness on the finish. Long juicy aftertaste of blackberries, black cherries, liquorice, smoked meats, cedar and blackpepper.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%