2016 Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz, Hilltops

This Shiraz is made from grapes selected from five vineyards in the Hilltops district around Young on the South Western Slopes of New South Wales. The 2016 vintage continues a run of warm vintages for the Hilltops region. The vineyards appear to take the heat in their stride however. The vines responded by producing rich black Shiraz with great depth of flavour. Drink now or cellar with confidence. This wine may surprise and delight you with five to ten years in the bottle. 14% Alc/Vol

From five vineyards in Young, largely 1654 and PT23 clones, 2-3 days cold soak, mostly open-fermented with pneumatic pigeage, some whole bunches included, cultured yeast, 5-8 days post-ferment maceration, perfectly balanced...always complex yet always with great mouthfeel matured in French oak (15-20% new) for 11 months. The usual (if that be the right word) Clonakilla signature of perfectly balanced fruit, tannins and oak, always complex yet always with great mouthfeel, black fruits to the fore, with a gentle sprinkle of spice and pepper. James Halliday

Over time it has established a reputation as one of the most reliable go-to wines on the Australian wine landscape. I’ve become less of a fan of Hilltops shiraz over the years – with exceptions of course – but this wine is almost always a hit. It’s a little bit arms and legs at present but it’s getting there. Strings of tannin, herb notes, juicy stone fruit characters and assorted spices/peppers are all attractive in themselves, but aren’t yet pulling properly together. They will do. Indeed, if anything this release is more complex than usual; more Clonakilla in a way The fruit comes across as fresh, the cherried characters at the blacker end of the spectrum, the tannin fine and a little chalky. It’s going to turn out very well. Even another 12 months in bottle will do it a lot of good. Campbell Mattinson

Plenty of ripe dark plum and blackberry fruits on the nose. Chocolate and mocha too. The palate has bright, mid-weight red plum and cherry fruits wrapped in lithe, supple tannins Nice balance. Really approachable. Drink now Nick Stock - JamesSuckling.com