David O'Leary really knows about things Cabernet Sauvignon, having claimed a Jimmy Watson Trophy and twice International Red Wine Maker of the Year. From low yielding vines up to fifty years of age, grown to superior sites within the Armagh Valley and Polish Hill River districts, the O'Leary Walker team create a powerful and complex, exquisitely perfumed and seamlessly layered Cabernet Sauvignon, framed by judicious oak and supported by graceful tannins, reflecting the idyllic growing climes of Valley Clare.
O'Leary Walker is the culmination of two like minded winemakers. David O'Leary worked for Heemskerk and Chateau Reynella, he was group red winemaker for Hardy's and later at Mildara Blass. He held senior winemaking roles at Quelltaller where he launched Annies Lane. Nick Walker took up residence at Krondorf for sixteen years and was also at Yellowglen and Yarra Ridge. Cabernet grapes are destemmed but not crushed, into two and four tonnes fermenters. Natural yeasts are added as the ferments are hand plunged and pumped over to control temperature and flavour. Upon completion, batches are macerated, pressed and run into small French oak hogsheads for two years maturation.
Deep brick red, dark purple hues. Fragrant perfumes of blackcurrant, cassis and juicy berry fruits, a hint of cedar and spice. The contrasting influences of Armagh Valley and Polish Hill form a synergy, violets and blueberry, a palate of dark currants and bramble exhibiting great depth and length. A very solid Cabernet, rich yet restrained, elegantly poised over fine grain tannins, a style which Clare Valley is renowned.
