Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2024

The fruit for this gem comes from four vineyards in the Hilltops region of New South Wales. After destemming and fermentation in open fermenters, the wine is racked to French oak puncheons and barriques, around 10% of them new, to mature for the next year. Dark garnet/red, the nose offers a range of aromas including dried herbs, red fruits, spices with a flick of white pepper, kirsch and aniseed. The palate moves more to raspberries and charcuterie. A wine of elegance and good focus with bright energy, this is quite a mouthwatering style. One glass simply demands another. Bright acidity runs the length, and freshness is an absolute highlight here. It is a wine of serious length and undoubtedly a ten year proposition. Hard to think of too many wines which would top it for value.