O’Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2021

If ever you were in two minds about exploring Australian riesling, this is your moment. The Clare Valley 2021 vintage was a blinder. Any doubts about how complex the grape can be in its youth, or its innate charm and intrigue will disappear with the first sip of the O’Leary Walker 2021 Watervale Riesling.

Unforced, a natural cool beauty, Watervale combines stunning aromatics – apple blossom, white flowers – with lingering aromas of Tahitian lime, lemon, grapefruit. Citrus and talc florals work hand in hand here. Soft, textural acidity offers a solid foundation for the brisk lemony brightness and lime cordial intensity of the fruit. And it lasts and lasts on a long, clean finish.

Guess you might say I fell hard for this young riesling. A classic riesling vintage in the Clare Valley is a thing to behold. Excellent drinking now, it will be a pleasure to follow its journey.