O’Leary Walker Grüner Veltliner 2022
- 92
- $35
- Drink by: 2022-2027
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The much loved Austrian variety, Grüner Veltliner, is spreading its wings. No longer limited to the Adelaide Hills, other regions are showing just how well they can do it. This is a fine example from the Clare Valley. Made by Jack Walker, son of co-founder Nick, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel, followed by the inclusion of 10% matured in new French oak for six months. Yellow gold in colour, the nose exhibits some serious concentration and power on the nose, classic Grüner notes. Stonefruit, rockmelons, nuts, pears and some citrus. An attractive, supple texture follows with deceptive length. On the palate, some slightly spicy notes emerge, as well as a hint of salinity. Thoroughly enjoyable now, this will easily sail through the next three to five years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
