2022 Hilltops Shiraz, Clonakilla

“Cool-Climate Swagger”

Lifted, expressive and unmistakably Clonakilla, this Hilltops Shiraz opens with vibrant aromas of blackberry, mulberry and dark cherry, layered with cracked black pepper, clove and a subtle waft of eucalyptus. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully poised, combining juicy dark fruit with savoury spice, fine-grained tannins and a freshness that speaks clearly of its elevated, cool-climate origins. There’s energy and precision here rather than brute force, finishing long, peppery and mouth-watering.

For when: the fire’s on, the music’s low, and you want something serious but not heavy.
Pairs with: grilled lamb cutlets, slow-cooked beef, or mushroom and lentil stew.
If this wine were… a perfectly cut leather jacket, it would be confident, timeless, and effortlessly cool.

Founded in 1971 by Dr John Kirk and now led by his son Tim Kirk, Clonakilla is one of Australia’s most revered family-run estates, best known for redefining cool-climate Shiraz. While the winery is based in the Canberra District, the Hilltops region is at a higher altitude with cooler nights and longer ripening and has become an important source of fruit for wines of elegance and aromatic detail. The Hilltops Shiraz reflects Clonakilla’s hallmark philosophy: balance over power, spice over sweetness, and site expression above all else, delivering a distinctly Australian Shiraz with finesse, restraint, and real personality.