Clonakilla ‘Hilltops’ Shiraz

The grapes for this Shiraz were selected from four vineyards in the Hilltops district around Young in New South Wales, the Canberra District’s closest neighbouring wine region. The altitude is marginally lower than Canberra so the grapes tend to be harvested around two weeks before those grown on the estate. Soils are deep red loam over light clay, giving distinctive blackberry and blackcurrant notes to the wine. The grapes were destemmed and fermented warm in open-top fermenters of various sizes. No whole bunches. The wine was aged for 11 months in Allier oak barriques and puncheons, 15% new, with the remaining barrels varying from 2-5 years old. This has the signature ‘Hilltops’ ripe, dark fruit flavours with a deep, concentrated cherry and blackberry character. It has fine-grained tannins and a racy acidity, which allow it to be enjoyed now but also be aged for up to 10 years.