2025 Nick O’Leary Riesling, Canberra District

Nick O’Leary Riesling from the Canberra District is a benchmark cool climate Riesling, shaped by one of Australia’s most focused and detail driven white wine specialists. Nick O’Leary works with some of the finest high altitude sites around Murrumbateman, where decomposed granite, quartz and sandy loam soils contribute incredible purity, tension and mineral precision. The region’s cool nights and long sunny days help the grapes retain vibrant acidity while developing lifted aromatics, giving this wine its signature combination of brightness and depth. O’Leary’s Rieslings have earned a reputation for consistency, finesse and outstanding ageing potential, and this flagship bottling sits at the centre of his range.

The winemaking is deliberately restrained to let the vineyard character speak clearly. Grapes are hand picked early in the morning, pressed gently and fermented cool in stainless steel to preserve aromatics and textural delicacy. No oak is used, allowing the Riesling’s crystalline structure and citrus purity to shine without distraction. O’Leary seeks a style that balances juicy fruit with a fine mineral spine, resulting in a wine that is both delicious young and capable of evolving for many years.

In the glass it shows a pale straw colour. The nose is vibrant and expressive with lime zest, lemon pith, green apple, jasmine and fresh talc supported by hints of white peach, crushed stone and a subtle herbal lift. With air, notes of citrus blossom and flinty minerality intensify, adding aromatic complexity while remaining clean and focused.

The palate is taut, refreshing and beautifully linear. Flavours of lime juice, lemon sherbet, crunchy green apple and subtle pear glide along a spine of shimmering acidity. The texture is sleek and precise with a fine chalky feel that mirrors its granitic soils. The finish is long, pure and mouthwatering with lingering citrus, mineral spice and delicate florals. It is a superb example of Canberra District Riesling, offering clarity, balance and the promise of graceful development over eight to twelve years as it gains notes of honey, toast and lanolin.

Pair it with oysters, sashimi, grilled prawns, salt and pepper squid, Vietnamese salads, Thai dishes with lime and lemongrass, goat cheese, light chicken dishes or fresh summer vegetables. Its brightness and versatility make it one of the region’s most food friendly wines.