Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2018

Description

What a remarkable jouney for Clonakilla. When John Kirk first planted vines in 1971 who would have thought it would be celebrated as one of Australia’s finest vineyards! Their first Shiraz Viognier was made in 1998 – by 2005 it was deemed ‘Outstanding’ in Langton’s Australian Wine Classification … by 2010 it was promoted to “Exceptional” .. up there with Grange and Hill of Grace! Murrumbateman & Canberra wine region is all about cool climate shiraz … complex layering of raspberry, violets, spice, cracked pepper, roast game with darker blackberry, blackcurrant and aniseed in warmer years. Clonakilla’s shiraz across the board including the Hilltops and O’Riada remind me of syrah at it’s best from famed ‘Cote Rotie’ in France’s Northern Rhone.

From winemaker, Tim Kirk … “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. 

In 2018, lower yields and a warm late Summer produced the level of fruit intensity that you see in the greatest years. Punchy dark berry aromas with flashes of red floral tones. Round, ripe and generous in the mouth. Another classic Hilltops Shiraz.  Drink now or cellar with confidence for ten years or more.”

The 2018 was an exceptional vintage so this is a ripper. Some Rave Reviews:

94 points, David Bicknell, Halliday’s Wine Companion “Vivid is the best way to describe this wine. From the purple-red colour to the black fruit, red florals and dark spices that leap forward. And the high contrast palate of sapid, crunchy fruit tannins, and bright acidity. Youthful, unrestrained glory. Unpolished and raw.”

93+ points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “ This is another beauty. I opened it on a Friday night and as I did so I wondered whether it was “Friday night worthy”. It was and then some. It boasts ample dark cherry/berry fruit, comes inlaid with spice, carries its floral highlights with ease and has a meaty, spicy, clovey finish. It’s juicy throughout and yet it has power; the tannin too has a fine spread-and-run aspect to it. It’s a winner for sure. It will age beautifully as well”.

James Suckling/Nick Stock “Very deep aromas of raspberries and red plums with subtly spicy notes, leading to a palate that has a super fleshy, juicy and red-fruited core of fine, long tannins. Drink now.”

RRP $34  Our Price 28.99  … LAST BOTTLES OF THIS VINTAGE

(New 2019 vintage available in Special 6 Pack Buy .. click here)