Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2010

Hilltops was our biggest selling New World red when we released the 2007 vintage.  It has classic Northern Rhone structure with a touch of Aussie flesh.

Dr John Kirk founded Clonakilla vineyard at Murrumbateman, 40 kilometres north of Canberra, in 1971 after his scientific curiosity led him to question why vines were not being grown in this area. His research showed that the soil and climate seemed suited to certain varieties. In 1997 Tim Kirk, the fourth of John’s six sons, took over responsibility for winemaking. Today, Clonakilla is recognised as one of the leading estates in Australia.

The grapes for this Shiraz were selected from three vineyards in the Hilltops district around Young in New South Wales, the Canberra District’s closest neighbouring wine region. The altitude is marginally lower than Canberra so the grapes tend to come in around two weeks before those grown on the estate. Soils are deep red loams over light clay, giving distinctive blackberry and blackcurrant notes to the wine, reminiscent more of the Northern Rhone than the Barossa Valley.

2010 was the year the drought broke. The rain started on Christmas Day 2009 and fell on a number of occasions through summer and early autumn. The water was a blessing for thirsty vines, but choosing picking dates became a race against the weather. As it turned out, the last of the Hilltops fruit came in just before the heavens opened. The grapes were in excellent condition.  The grapes were destemmed and fermented warm together with 20% whole bunches. The wine was matured for 11months in French oak, 15% new. The wine was racked once during its maturation in oak.