O’Leary Walker Hurtle Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

We are seeing more sparkling wines from the Adelaide Hills these days, and it is proving itself one of the leading mainland regions for the style. The grapes for this delightful aperitif style hail from the O’Leary family vineyards in the region. The wine spent an amazing seven years on lees before release (longer than most Champagnes). The wine is named after Nick Walker’s grandfather, a famous winemaker in his day, especially with sparkling wines (he has the astonishing record of joining the Romalo Cellars to make sparklers after he had served in World War I and worked there till his passing in 1975). Nick’s dad, Norm, was another famed winemaker and also prominent with fizz. It really does run in the family. The wine is bright and fresh and yet it does exhibit some early complexity. There are notes of florals and lemons with a whiff of brioche. Good length and a tight, clean finish. Drink now, though it will not object to several years in the cellar where that brioche note is likely to be enhanced.