Clonakilla O’Riada Shiraz 2024

This has to be a contender for best value wine of the year and is also compelling evidence of just how good the 2024 vintage was for the Canberra region. 20% whole bunch inclusion before twelve months maturation in French oak barriques, 25% of which were new. A vibrant crimson/magenta hue, the wine is very much from the bright and lifted end of the spectrum. The nose gives us notes of cassis, chocolate, blackberries, spice and plums with excellent oak integration throughout. Seamless in structure, this is exquisitely balanced with impressive length, through to silky tannins. A ten year proposition. This is always an exciting wine but this release surely has to sit amongst the very best.