Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz 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 -  Sean O’Riada is one of the heroes of modern Ireland. A talented musician and composer, he is credited with taking traditional Irish music out of the kitchens and pubs of Ireland and putting it on the concert stages of the world. He died, prematurely, in 1971, the year Clonakilla was established by John Kirk. He was John’s cousin.

“a contender for best value wine of the year” Ken Gargett

“It is one of Australian wine’s biggest bargains.” - Nick Ryan

2024 was a beautiful vintage. Good spring rain, warm summer days, cool nights and a glorious early autumn.  The O’Riada is a quintessential Canberra Shiraz, fully charged with spice, floral notes and ripe red fruits.  Tim Kirk

Critis thoughts - This has to be a contender for best value wine of the year and is also compelling evidence of just how good the 2024 vintage was for the Canberra region.  20% whole bunch inclusion before twelve months maturation in French oak barriques, 25% of which were new.

A vibrant crimson/magenta hue, the wine is very much from the bright and lifted end of the spectrum. The nose gives us notes of cassis, chocolate, blackberries, spice and plums with excellent oak integration throughout.  Seamless in structure, this is exquisitely balanced with impressive length, through to silky tannins. A ten year proposition.

This is always an exciting wine but this release surely has to sit amongst the very best.  Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot