2022 O'Leary Walker Shiraz, Clare Valley

What a glorious expression of Clare Valley Shiraz. It’s a wine that speaks of the land and the soil, of Aussie bush notes and earth, of bramble, blackcurrant, black cherry, peppercorns, liquorice, sage and warm clove oak. And that’s just the wealth of aromas that explode in the glass after pouring. Boasts plenty of class all round, naturally fine featured, well integrated. The 14.5% alcohol might suggest a high degree of richness and weight, but it’s deceptive. The Shiraz remains well within medium bodied territory in red plums, black cherry, bush notes and earth boasting an overall fineness. Tannin management, I would suggest, is the key here, bringing structure and suppleness. The result is a perfect balance. This can only be a plus as it ages . . . and it most certainly will age well. And look at that price! Outstanding value here.

96 points Jeni Port winepilot.com

One of the best value Shiraz releases I have seen this year. I only reviewed the 2021 vintage in April and here we have the 2022 hot on its heels. A brilliant expression of Clare Valley Shiraz, I enjoyed it a touch more than its predecessor. Incredible value for $35, run to this. From the Clare Valley sub-regions of Polish Hill River and Armagh, this spends 18 months in French oak. 

A riot of blackberries, dark chocolate and black olives reach out for an embrace. Coffee grounds, mocha, licorice and chocolate-dipped raspberries build interest and an engaging momentum as fine spices frame the package beautifully. What stands out to me, however, is the dense and generous presentation yet there is an even tempo and fluidity. The 2022 label has been updated to represent a new shade of olive green that reflects the olive notes in this wine and a hallmark of O'Leary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz. Damn it's tasty stuff. Don't walk, run. 

95 points Steve Leszczynski qwinereviews.com.au

A well-balanced and distinctly varietal and regional red of plush texture, dark cherry and mocha notes, green olive, clove oak, salt bush and gum leaf notes rippling through the bouquet and palate. A lick of graphite minerality a pleasing detail, so too the fine, al dente tannins that shape the wine and finish things fresh and bright. Fine wine.

95 points Special Value Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

O'Leary Walker Shiraz from the Clare Valley is a bold yet beautifully structured red that showcases the rich fruit and natural elegance that this high-altitude region is known for. It’s a classic expression of Clare Shiraz—ripe and generous but with a lift of cool-climate freshness and fine tannins that give it both drinkability and depth.

Founded by two industry veterans, David O’Leary and Nick Walker, O’Leary Walker Wines has built a strong reputation for crafting wines that reflect both place and varietal character. Their Shiraz is sourced from mature vines in the cooler subregions of the Clare Valley, where the combination of elevation and ancient soils allows the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly, building flavour while preserving balance.

The fruit is hand harvested, fermented in small open-top fermenters, and matured in French oak—mostly seasoned, with a portion of new barrels to add structure and polish without dominating the wine.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of dark plum, blackberry, baking spices, and a gentle whiff of pepper and oak toast. The palate is plush and full bodied, but with a vibrant acid line and fine-grained tannins that carry flavours of black cherry, cocoa, and earthy spice into a long, savoury finish.

O'Leary Walker Shiraz is made for roast lamb, slow-cooked brisket, or a wedge of aged cheddar. It’s a classic Clare Valley red—generous, grounded, and reliably excellent value.