2024 Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz

Rich and beautifully fleshed with a long, juicy yet savoury finish.

Midnight black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Fragrant dark plum, liquorice and black cherry scents bloom out of the glass trailed by some scorched earth, dried herb and peppered meat notes. Rich and generous, bordering on opulent, in its flow, the mid weighted palate is filled with liquorice, black cherry and dark plum fruits. Lurking across the back half are notions of scorched earth, dried meats and peppered herbs. Beautifully fleshed, it has polished fine grained tannins and a long, juicy yet savoury finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
The fruit for this gem comes from four vineyards in the Hilltops region of New South Wales. After destemming and fermentation in open fermenters, the wine is racked to French oak puncheons and barriques, around 10% of them new, to mature for the next year. Dark garnet/red, the nose offers a range of aromas including dried herbs, red fruits, spices with a flick of white pepper, kirsch and aniseed. The palate moves more to raspberries and charcuterie. A wine of elegance and good focus with bright energy, this is quite a mouthwatering style. One glass simply demands another. Bright acidity runs the length, and freshness is an absolute highlight here. It is a wine of serious length and undoubtedly a ten year proposition. Hard to think of too many wines which would top it for value. Drink 2026-2036.
94 points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com