Clonakilla Hilltops 2024

Each region in Australia has its pioneer winemaker, someone that changes and influences the entire region in so many good ways it has and will affect generations after them. Jeffrey Grosset in Clare, Rick Kinzbrunner in Beechworth, Vanya Cullen in Margaret River, for Canberra it is definitely Tim Kirk. Bookended by the cultish Shiraz Viognier and beautiful Riesling, the suite of wines from the Clonakilla Estate never cease to satisfy and impress.

In their words - This Shiraz is made from grapes grown by the Mullany and Gleeson families in the Hilltops district around Young on the south-western slopes of New South Wales.

The fruit was destemmed and fermented in open fermenters with twice daily pump overs with 12 to 16 days on skins. Post ferment the wine was racked to French oak puncheons and barriques, around 10% new, for 12 months.

“as pitch perfect as they come” - Huon Hooke

Spring rainfall was surprisingly healthy, given the forecast for a strong El Nino effect. October frost reduced yields in some sites. The warm weather did arrive though mid to late summer and excellent ripening conditions prevailed. The nett result: lower volumes of very high-quality fruit showing rich, ripe aromatics and generally intense fruit flavours.  Drink now or cellar with confidence for 10+ years.  Tim Kirk