Clonakilla O’Riada Shiraz 2023

Cool climate Shiraz from the Canberra district, the wine is a tribute to an Irish hero, Sean O’Riada, a musician who took their traditional music to the world. Sean was John Kirk’s cousin – John is the founder of Clonakilla and father of current winemaker, Tim. Sean passed away in 1971, the same year as John founded Clonakilla. From a cool year, the wine includes both estate fruit and that sourced from nearby Murrumbateman and Hall. A vibrant crimson, this is a stunning cool climate Shiraz and wonderful value. Given the limited nature of the Shiraz Viognier, this is more than ideal for filling the gaps. Spices, florals, a flicker of animal skins, red fruits, cloves, red cherries and mulberries. A wine which is carefully crafted, with line and length and immaculate balance and the finest of tannins, it is, however, the gorgeous spice notes which are to the fore. Drink over the next eight to ten years.