2022 Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz

Dark red black tinged colour with a purple red hue. Fragrant red liquorice and red plum scents infused with fresh herbs blossom from the glass followed by complimenting notes of graphite and peppered meats. Delicious red to dark plum and liquorice fruits decorate the mid weighted palate with notions of fresh herbs, clove, vanillin cedar and peppered meats lying underneath. Juicy mouth feel with fresh acidity, polished yet slightly muscular tannins and a long succulent yet refined finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
This is a very good Hilltops bottling, a sub-region with the altitude to obviate the wet weather of a cooler year, while accentuating a bit more ripeness. Mid-weighted, spicy and boasting real verve. Riffs on clove, menthol, white pepper, blue fruit allusions and dried aniseed ripple across a vertical skein of freshness, while finely wrought, gently gritty tannins compress the long finish. This has the most concentration of the three shiraz/syrah without being heavy in the slightest. Excellent showing. Drinkable now, but best after 2026. Screw cap.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.com

I’ve always been partial and I’d say that this is a very good release.
Mint, peppercorn, sweet spice, salted nuts and floral notes run into fresh red cherry and plum flavours. There’s a smoky meatiness at play here too and while it’s not overt I’d also say that it’s a key part of this wine’s shtick. Tannin is fine, length is sound, oak is integrated and all the components feel as though they’re pulling in the one direction. This is a good wine and (very) good value. Drink 2023-2028+
93 Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front