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O'Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2009
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Possibly one of the best we have produced. As we all know each vintage presents it's own challenges, the 2009 was somewhat kinder than the 2008, with a very cool season except for the last two weeks in January, the heat, too early in the season caused problems in the Clare and Adelaide Hills. We think the purity of the fruit is outstanding. The bouquet has beautiful lemon floral notes with hints of aniseed, the palate displaying purity of limes and silky smooth balanced with natural crunchy acidity.
Classic Watervale soils, red loam over limestone, west-facing – Grace’s “dry-grown” vineyard is hard-pruned and hand-picked and relies only on
the natural rainfall. The limestone tends to hold moisture and assist the vine in hot periods, almost drought-proofing in the summer months;
good examples in the 2002 and 2004 vintages.
Viticultural practices include vertical shoot positioning which not only encourages even ripening but also provides important shade to prevent the negative impact of sun-burn on the resultant wine.
O’Leary Walker Wines is the culmination of two like minded winemakers that met at Roseworthy College twenty years ago. Established in 2001, David O’Leary and Nick Walker combine a wealth of experience gained during their time as corporate winemakers behind such labels as Krondorf, Hardy’s, Yellowglen and Annies Lane.
From the first time we looked at the 2008 whites in general, we were excited . What stood out at
this stage was the varietal power. The wines were tightly focussed with tremendous flavour and natural acid drive and length.
Our Watervale Rieslings were hand-harvested over a 10-day period, and the juices off of each vineyard kept separate in one of our many small tanks.
A perfect accompaniment to Asian dishes, freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters and Atlantic Salmon or King George Whiting.
94+++ - "This, the best Watervale riesling I can recall from recent years, is the result of the impeccable management of an unirrigated vineyard with its roots deep in water-retentive calcrete. After a freakish cool run-up to vintage, this mother lode of natural nourishment drought-proofed the vines sufficiently to survive the impossible January heatwave. The wine has astonishing purity and power, and has a delicious crême caramel turn atop its profound ripe lime flesh. Its natural acidity will see it live for decades but it's swoony and scrumptious slurping right now - a fair dinkum masterpiece!" - Philip White, The Independent Weekly (Aus), 10-16 August 2009.
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| Don't Pay: $25
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WBW Rating: 92/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Watervale SA |
Winemaker: David O'Leary and Nick Walker
Drink now until: 2016
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