S.Smith & Sons
O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2022 x 12
The fruit comes from two of the Clare Valley’s premium sub-regions – Armagh and Polish Hill River. Each batch is fermented separately in two and four tonne fermenters over a 12 day period and hand
plunged. The wine is left on skins post-fermentation, enhancing tannin complexity and maximising flavour. This is pressed to tank, then racked to oak (25% new French oak, 75% seasoned French
oak) for 18-24 months.
An excellent follow on from the award winning 2021 with black jube and hints of liquorice filling the senses. It is juicy and enticing on the palate, drinking well now and will continue to improve if
carefully cellared.
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Boasts plenty of class all round...
96 Points
What a glorious expression of Clare Valley Shiraz. It’s a wine that speaks of the land and the soil, of Aussie bush notes and earth, of bramble, blackcurrant, black cherry, peppercorns, liquorice, sage and warm clove oak. And that’s just the wealth of aromas that explode in the glass after pouring. Boasts plenty of class all round, naturally fine featured, well integrated. The 14.5% alcohol might suggest a high degree of richness and weight, but it’s deceptive. The Shiraz remains well within medium-bodied territory in red plums, black cherry, bush notes and earth boasting an overall fineness. Tannin management, I would suggest, is the key here, bringing structure and suppleness. The result is a perfect balance. This can only be a plus as it ages . . . and it most certainly will age well. And look at that price! Outstanding value here.
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'...fresh and bright.'
95 Points
A well-balanced and distinctly varietal and regional red of plush texture, dark cherry and mocha notes, green olive, clove oak, salt bush and gum leaf notes rippling through the bouquet and palate. A lick of graphite minerality a pleasing detail, so too the fine, al dente tannins that shape the wine and finish things fresh and bright. Fine wine.
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'This one has it all - the power, the richness...'
95 Points
Another wine from this super duo of great winemakers from the Clare Valley. Polish Hill River is a famous sub-region of Clare, and it produces some of the finets wines in the region. This one has it all - the power, the richness, the plummy mocha, and blackberry characters with some spicy dark plum. It's poised, powerful, and has that delicious succulence and richness from the Clare. Many years ahead in the cellar.