Situated in the picturesque Hall Valley, in the Murrumbidgee River corridor just outside the ACT, Nick O'Leary Wines boasts a modern winemaking facility and a mature 5-hectare vineyard. Since its inception over a decade ago, the focus has been on crafting hand-worked Shiraz and Riesling wines that exhibit the unique character of the Canberra region while expressing a distinct personality and style.
Nick O'Leary's wines have received high-profile recognition both nationally and internationally, including the prestigious Stodart Trophy in 2014 and the NSW Wine of the Year in both 2014 and 2015. These accolades highlight the consistent quality and dedication that Nick brings to his winemaking.
At the ripe age of 28, Nick had already been deeply involved in the wine industry for over a decade, gaining experience in retail, wholesale, viticulture, and winemaking. His small-parcel drops are some of the best you can find from the famed Canberra District, consistently winning awards and praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike.
This week at Canberra Wine and Spirit Merchants, we had the pleasure of tasting six masterfully made wines from the Nick O’Leary range, many of which are single-site selections from the Heywood vineyard. Here's a closer look at the delightful wines we sampled:
Heywood Riesling 2023 (12% Alc.)
This Riesling starts with distinctive citrus notes that soften and become more complex mid-palate, finishing with a zippy acidity. It’s a really good wine that impressed everyone.
Heywood Albariño 2024 (12% Alc.)
A legendary Spanish varietal, Albariño is best known for pairing with white seafood. This is the third vintage, and it keeps getting better. It features rich fruit flavors of pears, peaches, and melon with a hint of citrus and salt, ending with a clean, dry finish.
Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2022 (13% Alc.)
Made from three distinct parcels of fruit from the Tumbarumba region, this Chardonnay is all class from start to finish. Lean, tense, and restrained, it offers complex citrus and almond paste flavors with a good acid line, supported by spicy nuttiness from French oak maturation (35% new, the rest 1-2 years old). It’s delicious now and will only improve with age, offering great value.
Sangiovese 2023 (13.3% Alc.)
A balanced blend of Hilltops and Canberra fruit, this Sangiovese showcases sour cherry fruit and a savoury character with solid tannic support.
Heywood Red Blend 2021 (13.5% Alc.)
This sumptuous red blend is composed of 40% Tempranillo, 40% Shiraz, and 20% Sangiovese, reflecting the planting ratio of these varieties on the Heywood vineyard. Matured in old oak, it’s just too easy to drink.
Bolaro Shiraz 2021
Enticing red fruit, ripe yet savoury, with integrated spice and firm, silky tannins. This wine is sourced from the best parcels of fruit available and is hand-harvested. It includes 45% whole-bunches and is matured in 35% new French oak barriques for 10 months. It’s just beginning to show its true quality and will continue to improve.
We had a wonderful time exploring the Nick O’Leary range, each wine showcasing the care and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Stay tuned for more tasting adventures and discoveries. Cheers!
