2025 O'Leary Walker Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

A lively chardonnay, crisp and refreshing. Good perfume of fragrant spice, stone fruits, ginger and green apple; a volley of similar to taste. An edgy, tart and bright fruit profile on the palate, with lots of refreshment factor and a cool, gently nutty finish. Very pure feeling. Relaxed and gentle. A very nice thing to drink.

93 points Special Value Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

O’Leary Walker Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, is a refined cool climate Australian Chardonnay shaped by elevation, balance and a clear focus on vineyard expression. O’Leary Walker was founded by David O’Leary and Nick Walker, two winemakers who cut their teeth in the Clare Valley before turning their attention to the cooler slopes of the Adelaide Hills for Chardonnay. Fruit is sourced from high altitude vineyards where cool nights and long growing seasons preserve natural acidity and build flavour slowly. The Adelaide Hills terroir of free draining soils and consistent cooling breezes delivers tension and freshness, while the winemaking approach favours precision, restrained oak and texture driven detail rather than overt richness.

The wine shows a pale straw to light gold colour with bright clarity. Aromas are layered and expressive, opening with white peach, nectarine and citrus peel, followed by subtle cashew, gentle spice and a faint struck match note that adds complexity without dominance. The palate is medium bodied and finely textured, with stone fruit and citrus flavours carried by lively acidity and a smooth, creamy mid palate from careful lees work. Oak is seamlessly integrated, providing structure and savoury nuance rather than sweetness. The finish is long, clean and composed, with a mineral edge that keeps the wine fresh and food focused. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled fish, scallops, lobster, pork with herbs or creamy vegetable dishes. While drinking beautifully now, it will cellar confidently for seven to ten years, gaining further depth and nutty complexity.