Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2023

Product Information:

The 2023 Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz is a beautiful expression of cool-climate Shiraz, crafted from grapes grown in the Hilltops district near Young, New South Wales. This vintage, the third consecutive cool year, brings an exceptional freshness and spice to the wine, with dark berry notes layered over lifted red fruit and floral aromas. Richly textured with a fine acidity, it’s perfect for enjoying now but will also age gracefully over the next decade, adding complexity and depth with time.

Maker:

Clonakilla is a family-owned winery with a legacy that dates back to 1971, when Dr. John Kirk, an Irish biochemist, established the vineyard in Murrumbateman, New South Wales. Inspired by a love for wine and an understanding of Australia’s unique climate, Dr. Kirk sought to craft wines that showcased the terroir of the region, sparking a journey that would place Clonakilla among Australia’s most respected wineries. The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, first produced in 1992 by Dr. Kirk’s son Tim, was inspired by a visit to France’s Côte-Rôtie, where Tim discovered the art of co-fermenting Shiraz with Viognier. This innovation added a distinctive aromatic complexity and finesse to the wine, establishing Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier as an Australian icon.

Today, Clonakilla is led by Tim Kirk, who, along with his wife Lara, has expanded the winery’s influence while maintaining the family’s dedication to crafting wines that embody elegance, complexity, and a sense of place. The Kirks’ commitment to quality is evident in each vintage, and Clonakilla wines continue to garner acclaim and awards globally. With a range that includes Shiraz Viognier, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Rhône-inspired blends, Clonakilla’s portfolio celebrates the distinct character of each grape variety and vineyard site. The Clonakilla story is one of passion, family heritage, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in winemaking, cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine producers.

The Vineyard:

The grapes for Clonakilla’s Hilltops Shiraz are sourced from the renowned Hilltops district near Young, New South Wales. This region, located on the southwestern slopes, is known for its high altitude and cool climate, making it ideal for producing wines with vibrant acidity, concentrated fruit, and refined structure. The Hilltops district is characterised by its limestone-rich soils, which contribute a mineral backbone to the wine, along with the perfect balance of warmth and cool nights, allowing for a slower ripening period. This climate ensures that the grapes develop complex flavours and natural acidity, giving Clonakilla’s Hilltops Shiraz its distinctive freshness and depth.

The vineyards in Hilltops are meticulously managed to harness the best qualities of the terroir, with grapes harvested at optimal ripeness to capture the character of the region. In particular, the 2023 vintage benefitted from a third consecutive cool growing season, imparting an additional layer of elegance and spice to the wine. Clonakilla’s focus on expressing the unique qualities of the Hilltops terroir, without the influence of oak, allows the purity of the fruit to shine through in this Shiraz. The result is a wine that not only reflects the natural beauty of the region but also offers a refined, approachable expression of Australian Shiraz, crafted with precision and respect for the land.

Nose - Spicy, Plush Fruits, Charcuterie
Appears spicy and herbal with sweet-sour flavours, then it changes to gutsy and flavoursome with a little meaty reduction.

Palate - Tar, Dark Plums, Cedary oak
 It’s inky, with wafts of bitumen and pepper, flavours of kirsch, dark plums and cedary oak.

Finish - Fine Acidity, Spice, Fine Peppers
Plush and fleshy with lots of tannin, but still svelte with fine acidity cinching the with a lovely shape.

A bit of a chameleon as it first appears spicy and herbal with sweet-sour flavours, then it changes to gutsy and flavoursome with a little meaty reduction. Still finding its way perhaps. It’s inky, with wafts of bitumen and pepper, flavours of kirsch, dark plums and cedary oak. Fuller bodied and fleshy with plentiful tannins; there’s a certain refinement, too, with fine acidity in tow. - Jane Faulkner - Halliday Wine Companion

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Hilltops, New South Wales
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%