Clonakilla Pinot Noir 2024
- 93
- $60
- Drink by: 2025-2033
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A wine made in little more than a dribble, quantities are so small, but Pinotphiles would be wise to seek this out – they will be well rewarded. The clones used (Pinotphiles do love this sort of info) include 777, 115, 667, Abel and Pommard, plus an old and unidentified clone planted by John Kirk (Tim’s father and the founder of Clonakilla) in 1978. As with seemingly every wine Tim Kirk makes, there is an appearance of effortlessness here. Some winemakers have it; most do not. From the Canberra region, this is a pale crimson, lighter on the rim. Quite a savoury wine, we have fragrances of undergrowth, smoked meats, truffles, red fruits, dried herbs and cherries on the nose. This is a juicy style with fresh acidity, medium length, good focus and sleek tannins. Enjoy over the next six to eight years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
