Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2003

I have a soft spot for Clonakilla. I love the wines, and I also really like the people behind the wines. [See my report of a visit a few years ago here.] It seems odd that one of Australia's top wines - the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier - should come from a lesser known region - that of the Canberra District.

This is the more affordable Hilltops Shiraz, from the 2003 vintage. It's a slightly perplexing wine, which tastes a bit reduced and meaty, but which has plenty of personality. I think I would have liked this more a couple of years ago when the fruit was more intense and pure. But it's still a very nice wine indeed.

Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2003 Canberra District, Australia
Dark, intense, slightly reduced meaty nose showing rich blackberry fruit. The palate is dense and ripe with sweet dark fruits and also an attractive meaty, spicy dimension, with notes of olives, tar and earth under the sweet fruit. Still some tannin here, but I think it was better a year or two ago - although there's every chance this will blossom with further bottle age. 90/100