Clonakilla Pinot Noir 2025
- 94
- $60
- Drink by: 2026-2036
Share
John Kirk, founder of Clonakilla, planted Pinot Noir in his vineyards back in 1978, making it some of the earlier plantings in this country. Only 130 vines at the time, but current winemaker and son, Tim, as added to that over the years. When making the wine, Tim uses a mix of whole bunch ferments and whole berries. The final wine is a blend of clones. Pale russet, this is quite a savoury style with notes of red cherries, leaf litter, truffles, raspberries and a character a little like an Asian spice market. There is excellent balance throughout, with focus and length, leading to satiny tannins. On the palate, we see the emergence of gentle notes of anise. Early days at the moment, but this is a cracking Pinot Noir by any standards, which should drink beautifully over the next ten 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.
