Shiraz
75cl * Vegan * 13.0% ABV * New South Wales, Australia
Dr John Kirk founded Clonakilla ('meadow of the church') in 1971 after scientific curiosity led him to question why vines were not being grown in this area. This has a real Rhone-like quality to it: there are plenty of signature ripe dark fruit flavours to enjoy here, including cherries, anise and blackberries. Good structure and a broad spiced/savoury character on the palate, with a spicy and rich finish. Will age well for up to a decade. Try with a slow-cooked beef casserole.
Vintage 2021 was marked by a cooler than average summer punctuated by regular rainfall which slowed the ripening and gave expression to a delicious cool-climate elegance in the wine.
"A black fruit and liquorice-spiked beauty with aromatherapeutic peppercorn embellishments among the dynamic, lifted flavours. This wine is already drinking, and it feels keen and match-fit in the glass." Matthew Jukes, 100 Best Australian Wines 2022/23 Report