2025 O’Leary Walker Watervale Riesling

Tense with a dry, chalky feel and long steely mineral infused finish.

Brilliant water like core with distinct highlights of green around the edges. Lime zest, lemon and orange rind scents leap out of the glass followed by some Granny Smith apple, chalky talc and flinty mineral notes. Tense and tightly coiled, the palate has a zippy feel with racy lime, lemon and Granny Smith apple fruits underpinned by a laser beam of ultra crisp mineral infused acidity. Chalky talc and steely mineral element extending through the focused, snappy finish.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 11%

Other Reviews…..
Pretty classic stuff here, albeit you'd say this release is quite concentrated and potent in its fruit characteristics. Lemon-lime, sweet and tart at the same time, green apple, distinct blackcurrant notes, a little lemon oil and dashes of mandarin marmalade. Lots of talc here, too – powdery, lavender-like, and with a little bit of grip in texture. Nice one. Quietly complex. This should be singing with another year and onwards – and do wait if you can. Drink by 2035.
95 Points
Mike Bennie – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

If Polish Hill River represents the power of Clare Valley Riesling, Watervale represents the finesse, the purity. Nowhere is this better exhibited than in the 2025 vintage. While it was a challenging vintage, by all accounts, Riesling shone. It shows. Bright, lime green hues. Classic Watervale scents, arrestingly aromatic and delicate in jasmine, wildflowers, bath salts, fresh lime and citrus skin and apple. An intensity of lime flavour lies at the wine’s core, a Watervale trait, in sync with florals. It’s a vibrant, alive palate with an easy textural flow in lime, green apple, pear skin, touch of rosemary, Thai basil and wet slate minerality. Finely textured with powdery fine acidity. Purity plus. This beauty will still be looking good in 10-15 years. Drink 2025-2040.
96 Points
Jeni Port – WinePilot.com