2023 Clonakilla, O'Riada Shiraz, Canberra District

The 2023 Clonakilla O’Riada Shiraz is a direct expression of the granitic, decomposed soils of the Canberra District, a region defined by its significant elevation and continental climate. Following an exceptionally cool and late-ripening growing season, this 100% Shiraz reflects a structural tension and acidity necessitated by the delayed physiological maturity of the fruit. The winemaking team employs a precise, low-intervention approach, utilizing a three-week maceration in stainless steel followed by twelve months of aging in fine-grained French barriques and puncheons to preserve the site's inherent aromatic profile. The resulting wine is built on a framework of fine, silty tannins and a bright, focused acidity that underscores the cool-climate origins of the Murrumbateman site. This 2023 vintage delivers a tightly wound, mid-palate density that prioritizes structural integrity and poise over raw extraction.