2020 O’Leary Walker Polish Hill River Armagh Shiraz

Matured in French oak hogsheads for 18 months. Magnificent impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Lifted dark plum, black cherry and liquorice aromas flood the nostrils followed by some toasty vanillin cedar, subtle black olive and peppered fennel notes. Rich fleshy dark plum, black cherry and liquorice fruits are underscored by bright acidity. Toasty vanillin cedar, black olive and peppered earth elements also chime in. A sturdy tannin framework firms up the finish a touch. Medium to long tightly focused aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Terrific Clare Valley Shiraz, from the two sub-regions of Armagh and also Polish Hill. The blend of the two – the former slightly warmer, the latter cooler – work wonderfully. The team look to include a percentage of whole bunches, natural yeasts and some extended post fermentation time on skins, before a lengthy period of maturation in French oak, some new. Deeply coloured, we have aromas of chocolate, warm earth tones, black fruits, licorice and cold tea. There is balance, concentration and superb length, which maintains the intensity throughout. A nice combination of concentration and elegance plus bright acidity and ever-so-fine tannins. This will impress for at least a decade – really good value. Drink 2022-2032.
95 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

This is a full-bodied shiraz with quality fruit and oak as the drivers. Sweet plum, mint, blueberry and smoked cedar characters power their way through a palate that’s as rich as it is soft. If you’re looking for a big wine that’s also well made and, dark I say it, smooth, then here’s a genuine candidate. Drink 2023-2028+
93 Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

Matured in French oak for 18 months. A blend Polish Hill River and Armagh fruit. It's a fragrant, medium- to full-bodied expression of shiraz from the region. Whiffs of mint, sage leaf, red and black berries, kirsch and white pepper. Flavours more intense and darker fruited with stewed plum, a minty, leafy herbal inflection and a good dusting of white pepper and garam masala spice. A little woody bite to the tannins, but they keep things in good shape. Juicy and energetic with great lift and freshness. Drink by 2030.
93 Points
Mike Bennie – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion