Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2017 (1pk)

Hilltops is an emerging cool-climate region in New South Wales that sits at high altitude, providing the perfect balance of warm days and cool nights that Shiraz thrives in. The region's granite-based soils and continental climate naturally produce wines with both power and elegance - exactly what you see in this Clonakilla expression. The 2017 vintage particularly benefited from ideal weather patterns, with timely rainfall and sunshine creating optimal ripening conditions.

This Clonakilla Shiraz represents the more elegant, cool-climate style of Australian Shiraz rather than the bold, jammy expressions from warmer regions like Barossa Valley. With its bright red and blue fruit profile, peppery spice, and velvety tannins, it sits closer to Northern Rhône Syrah in style while maintaining distinctly Australian character. The 94+ points from Campbell Mattinson and multiple 90+ ratings confirm its place among Australia's elite Shiraz producers.

The wine's combination of bright fruit, peppery spice, and full body makes it incredibly food-friendly, particularly with rich, savoury dishes. Think slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, grilled kangaroo with native pepper, or aged beef with mushroom jus - the wine's lively acidity and structured tannins will cut through rich proteins beautifully. The sweet oak integration also makes it excellent with char-grilled vegetables or anything with a hint of smokiness.

While absolutely delicious now, this 2017 Shiraz has the structure and balance for extended cellaring thanks to its backbone of lively acid and quality tannins. Clonakilla's restrained winemaking approach has created a wine built for longevity - you can expect it to develop beautifully over the next 8-12 years, gaining complexity and tertiary flavours. If drinking now, decanting for 30-60 minutes will help open up its full potential.

Clonakilla has earned recognition as both a Five Red Star Halliday Rated Winery and Iconic Producer, reflecting their consistent excellence and innovation in Australian winemaking. Founded by John Kirk and now run by his son Tim, they're pioneers in cool-climate viticulture and were among the first to successfully grow Viognier in Australia. Their philosophy of 'restrained and considered winemaking' allows the Hilltops terroir to shine through, creating wines that balance power with elegance - a hallmark of truly great winemaking.