FIVE STARS
— by JAMES HALLIDAY, THE WINE COMPANION

ClonakillaTim Kirk2013

O’RIADA
Sean O’Riada1971John KirkClonakilla

2017/O’RiadaShiraz

Shiraz

(James Suckling’s rating: 95 points)

Clonakilla is one of the best wineries in Australia which is run by family and dedicated to producing distinctive, handcrafted Canberra region wines in limited quantities. The winemaker, Tim Kirk, named ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 2013 by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine.

There is a story about O’riada.
Sean O’Riadais a talented Irish musician and composer, he is credited with taking traditional Irish music to the concert stages of the world. He died, prematurely, in 1971, the year Clonakilla was established by scientist Dr. John Kirk who was Sean’s cousin.

The 2017 vintage was built on the wettest Winter/early Spring. The early rain turned out to be a blessing given the warm and generally dry summer that followed. The O’Riada is a quintessential Canberra Shiraz fully charged with spice, floral notes and ripe red fruits.

Country of origin:
Canberra, Australia

Type:
Red/Rouge (Still)

Grape Varieties:
Shiraz

Tasting Notes:
(James Suckling’s rating: 95 points)
Super fragrant and almost flinty. This has bright, light red fruits, spicy peppers and berries with an earthy thread. The palate is smooth and supple with a wealth of spicy, peppery red cherries, red plums, cocoa powder and bright lively tannins. An elegant, focused finish. Drink or hold.