2021 O’Leary Walker Polish Hill River Armagh Shiraz

After building an enviable reputation working for some of Australia’s most prestigious wineries David O’Leary and Nick Walker established their own venture in 2000. Based in the Clare Valley they specialise in Riesling and Shiraz that consistently excel in the value for money stakes.
For the outstanding 2021 vintage fruit was sourced from two Clare Valley sub regions, the cooler Polish Hill River and also the warmer Armagh, north of Clare. Each batch is fermented separately in two and four tonne fermenters over a 12 day period and hand-plunged. Maturation took place in French oak, 25% new, for a period of 18 months.

A powerhouse Clare Shiraz that boasts superb depth and volume of fruit.

Opens with a magnificent super saturated inky black colour and an equally deep dark red black hue. Wafting out of the glass are intense ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and black cherry aromas which are trailed by some toasty vanillin cedar, hints of mocha and peppered earth scents. Rich, exceptionally concentrated and opulent, every corner of the palate is engulfed with lavish blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and black cherry fruits. Ripe chewy tannins provide admirable structure with gently smoked vanillin cedar and peppered earth elements lingering underneath. Boasting superb depth and volume of fruit as well as power it finishes long, seductive and peppery.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Winner of the Gold Medal and Best Shiraz in Show at the London Wine Competition
Breaking: The 2021 O’Leary Walker Polish Hill River Armagh Shiraz clinches top honours at the London Wine Competition. This outstanding Shiraz not only secured a prestigious Gold Medal with an impressive 96 Points but also made history as the first Clare Valley wine and the first Australian wine ever to claim the title of Best Shiraz in Show at this esteemed competition.

Other Reviews....
The vinous equivalent of yin and yang, with two noteworthy Clare Valley sub-regions singing in total harmony. Polish Hill River is spicy and fine, while Armagh brings the brio and power. It makes for a dynamic duo. Bright, deep purple in colour. Violet, acacia, briar, wild bramble, blackberry and blackstrap liquorice aromas delight, so inviting in their deep mix of fruit, spice, florals and earth. Brings that upfront spice, liquorice and black fruit intensity and energy associated with top Clare Valley Shiraz and then, without skipping a beat, maintains the momentum seamlessly through to a long, long finish. Oak and tannins are totally integrated. It’s in for a long life should you resist the temptation to drink now. There is an effortless quality here, the sign of a good year and some mighty good winemaking. Outstanding. Drink 2024-2041.
96 points
Jeni Port - WinePilot.com