2021 Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz
Grape
Shiraz
Its Origins
Clonakilla winery is a family business, established by John Kirk in 1971. Developing a vineyard and winery business was originally a weekend distraction for John. He had first developed an interest in wine when he was fourteen. His parents owned the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland. When he came home from boarding school one summer he was given the job of looking after the bar and stocking the hotel cellars. To get a handle on his new responsibilities he began to read about the great wine regions of Europe. He soon became smitten with the idea of wine. His personal knowledge of the subject was greatly expanded through his years of study at Cambridge University, his post doctoral work at Oxford and his time as a lecturer in biochemistry at the university town of Aberystwyth in Wales. In 1968 John took up an offer to come to Australia to take a research position with the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry in Canberra. John first planted Shiraz at Clonakilla in 1972. Through the seventies and eighties the Shiraz was blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in traditional Australian style. In 1990 it was decided to keep the Shiraz component separate. The Clonakilla 1990 Shiraz went on to win one silver, two gold and two trophies in three showings. James Halliday described it as “a tour de force in spicy/peppery varietal character”. Needless to say, the Kirks began to see Murrumbateman Shiraz in a new light.
What The Critics Say
94/100 James Suckling
This Shiraz is made from grapes selected from five vineyards in the Hilltops district around Young on the South Western Slopes of New South Wales. Elevated at 500 to 600 meters above sea level, 2021 was the latest vintage ever for Hilltops, with picking extending into April. This was made with virtually no whole-bunches ("OK, some, we can't help ourselves," says Kirk) and matured in French oak (15% new) for 12 months. “Very attractive shiraz with green tobacco, black olives, wet earth, and dark fruits. Medium to full body. Firm and solid tannins and a flavorful finish. Very savory. Spicy at the finish, too. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
94/100 The Wine Magazine, Toni Paterson MW
“Clonakilla's entry-level shiraz is easily one of the most cellarworthy bargains on the wine map. The supreme clarity of the fruit in this gorgeous New South Wales shiraz makes it stand out from the pack. It is beautifully proportioned with impressive flow and exhibits the signature of Clonakilla as much as it does its source region or variety. Everything is perfectly balanced, from the focused cherry flavours to the integrated acidity and discrete tannin. Pure class.”
93/100 The Real Review, Stuart Knox
"Vibrant and deep ruby-red colour, purple tints to the lip. Raspberry, blueberry, musk stick and violet aromatics. Dark berries fill the front-palate, as they evolve across the tongue a layer of dark spices appears and underneath, we see hints of blood and stone. The tannins are a firm, guiding hand to drive the medium-weighted palate long and lingering. Has many years ahead of it ." Drink 2022 - 2034
| Variety | Shiraz / Syrah |
|---|---|
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.00% |
| Maturity | 2022 - 2034 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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