Product Description:
The Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz 2023 is a stunning expression of Canberra Shiraz, a wine that epitomises the elegance and complexity of the region’s cool-climate vineyards. Named in tribute to Sean O'Riada, the influential Irish musician and composer, this wine is a true reflection of his legacy – a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The 2023 vintage marks the third consecutive cool growing season, producing a wine of exceptional finesse, with vibrant fruit and subtle spice. Despite a cool and wet spring, the late summer warmth and gentle autumn conditions allowed the grapes to develop gorgeous flavours that shine through in the final wine.
The O'Riada Shiraz is a standout, boasting the hallmark characteristics of Clonakilla's legendary winemaking style: a perfect balance of ripe red fruit, fragrant spices, and a touch of floral elegance. With every sip, this wine showcases the richness and complexity that Canberra is known for. John Kirk, the founder of Clonakilla, created this wine to honour his cousin, Sean O’Riada, and the result is a wine that speaks to both the heart and the palate – a modern classic and a tribute to Irish heritage.
Maker:
Clonakilla is a family-owned winery with a legacy that dates back to 1971, when Dr. John Kirk, an Irish biochemist, established the vineyard in Murrumbateman, New South Wales. Inspired by a love for wine and an understanding of Australia’s unique climate, Dr. Kirk sought to craft wines that showcased the terroir of the region, sparking a journey that would place Clonakilla among Australia’s most respected wineries. The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, first produced in 1992 by Dr. Kirk’s son Tim, was inspired by a visit to France’s Côte-Rôtie, where Tim discovered the art of co-fermenting Shiraz with Viognier. This innovation added a distinctive aromatic complexity and finesse to the wine, establishing Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier as an Australian icon.
Today, Clonakilla is led by Tim Kirk, who, along with his wife Lara, has expanded the winery’s influence while maintaining the family’s dedication to crafting wines that embody elegance, complexity, and a sense of place. The Kirks’ commitment to quality is evident in each vintage, and Clonakilla wines continue to garner acclaim and awards globally. With a range that includes Shiraz Viognier, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Rhône-inspired blends, Clonakilla’s portfolio celebrates the distinct character of each grape variety and vineyard site. The Clonakilla story is one of passion, family heritage, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in winemaking, cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine producers.
Philosophy:
At Clonakilla, the philosophy is simple yet profound: to capture the essence of the land and present it in its purest form. Located in the Murrumbateman region of New South Wales, Clonakilla’s vineyards are planted on rich, well-drained soils that have evolved over thousands of years, with a unique combination of red parna and decomposed volcanic clay. This terroir, coupled with a cool climate and ideal sunlight, allows the vines to thrive and develop complex flavours. Guided by a deep belief in the importance of terroir, Tim and John Kirk have dedicated themselves to crafting wines that reflect this exceptional landscape. From careful vineyard management to minimal intervention in the winery, every step is designed to showcase the uniqueness of the land.
The result is a portfolio of wines that embody elegance, complexity, and authenticity. Clonakilla wines are more than just a product; they are a reflection of the journey from vine to bottle, created with a commitment to quality that has defined the estate since its founding in 1971. Each vintage tells the story of the land, capturing its beauty, nobility, and individuality. It is this dedication to excellence and respect for nature that has made Clonakilla one of Australia's most respected cool-climate wine producers, offering wines that are both timeless and innovative.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Spicy & Floral
The nose of the 2023 O'Riada Shiraz greets you with a beautiful balance of spicy notes, including black pepper and a touch of clove, intertwined with the subtle floral aromas of violet. Ripe red berries—raspberry and cherry—add depth, with hints of smoked meat and savoury herbs. There’s a distinctive freshness on the nose, inviting you in with its complexity and refinement.
Palate
Spicy & Fresh
Rich red berries with hints of black pepper, clove, and violet. Subtle herbal undertones with a smoky edge.
PALATE
Fruity & Smooth
Fresh cherry and plum, layered with spice and a touch of savory complexity. Soft, integrated tannins with a lively acidic backbone.
FINISH
Long & Elegant
A smooth, lingering finish with spicy warmth and a fresh mineral edge.
Reviews + Accolades:
The 2023 O’Riada Shiraz is perfumed and floral right out of the blocks: rose petals, petrichor, a drift of arnica/licorice, white chocolate and sweet tobacco. The wine is attractive and perfumed in the mouth as well, and the tannins are finely wrought. The wine finishes with a slight inflection of dried mint, but this is a gorgeous thing and comes highly recommended. - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate, 95 Points.
Savory and perfumed aromas of blood plums, dark cherries, tobacco and rose petals on the nose. The full-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of licorice, dried herbs, wet stone and bark. Gentle and pretty with an underlying power that will age gracefully. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com, 94 Points.
I cannot fault this wine. It’s so well spiced, without being excessively so. It’s rushed with cherry-plum fruit, it’s both refreshing and satiny, it folds, carefully, cedarwood and deli-meat into the fruit, and the tannin is a masterclass of the fine, filigreed kind. After all that, or over-arching it, is the fact that it’s a delightful drink, pretty, floral, solid where it needs to be, bright and balanced. Personally I’d have no hesitation in buying this wine. - Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront, 94 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Murrumbateman, NSW
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
Sale
Sale
