O’Leary Walker Watervale Riesling 2023

Seems 2023 makes it is a hat trick of great vintages in the Clare for Riesling. This bottle of joy is from a classic Watervale vineyard with a westerly aspect, the fruit destemmed, crushed and gently pressed. The free run juice is settled and then fermented over the best part of two weeks. A very pale green/gold with a powerful and concentrated nose offering florals, minerals, wet slate, chalk and limes. Powerful but refined at all stages. With excellent length and a softly pleasing texture, this has a fine line of acidity while the palate offers a lovely lingering lemon pie note right at the finish. Drink over the next eight to twelve years, but it will certainly go for at least two decades, well cellared. Two things are certain. This will continue to improve and it is criminally underpriced (although long may it remain so for all us Riesling fans).