Tuesday, July 28, 2009

O'LEARY WALKER POLISH HILL RIVER RIESLING 2009

 - Clare Valley, SA
 - $15-$24
 - Screwcap
 - 12.0%alc

Established in 2000/01 by a couple of industry veterans, O'Leary Walker is an emergent Clare winery gaining a steady following for its solid reds and refreshingly varietal whites. Their rieslings in particular, are already recognised among the region's best.

Generously scented, the 2009 Polish Hill presents a well defined and floral, yet sweetish fragrance of apricot/peach blossom with nuances of citrus tart and apple. Juicy and forward, with mouthfilling flavours of apricot kernel, lemon, caramelised pear and apples, its rather candied palate is softly lifted by an approachable influence of steely acids, with notes of sweet fruit persisting into the aftertaste. It severely lacks true penetration and lasting impression.

X A massive turnaround from the structured, dry and savoury 2008 (91pts), this is a sweetish, easy drinking riesling which might even appeal to those who don't like the style. It's not for me though. Drink to 2014.
86 points


3 comments:

  1. Oh ow! Could be a tough vintage for many this year....

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  2. Ditto AG above. Snap your 08s up now I'd reckon. Sad.

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  3. Fair call fellas.

    I have read a couple of reports from local media (not me mind you) that 2009 is going to be great for riesling, especially Clare, but they say that every year over here....

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