O’Leary Walker Claire Reserve Shiraz 2016

They have thrown everything at this wine including the kitchen sink. 120 year old Clare Valley Polish Hill River vines, two and a half years in oak and only released in the very best vintages, the last was in 2013. Massive expectations on this wine and it delivered.

There is a deep and youthful colour with the fruit powerful yet reserved and all that oak remaining in balance. It’s an exotic ride – spicy, slatey, soy sauce and tobacco aromas sit over a bed of fleshy, dark fruits. The gear changes on the palate which is dry, full-bodied and has great impact – two and a half years in oak have not dulled it which is a great sign for the cellar. Blackberry and mulberry fruit are topped by subtle spicy and meaty elements underpinned by long and sinewy tannins. This multi-layered wine is topped off by a youthful power and firm structure that show a wine that is built for the long term. Very, very impressive and, while over $100 a bottle, a bargain.