2008 Clonakilla O’Raida Shiraz
Canberra District, ACT and NSW
It is not hard to appreciate cool climate Shiraz in light of some of the heavier, more alcoholic offerings on offer at the moment from the more traditional regions of Australia. The Kirk family are renowned for producing some of the very best Shiraz in Australia and all too few wines can match their wine’s freshness and elegance which is the combination of cool climate Murrumbateman / Hall fruit and quality of Clonakilla winemaking.
In the glass, the O’Raida is a vibrant ruby purple. While this is a more medium bodied wine, it is certainly not medium fruit intensity with the Shiraz being co-fermented with some Viognier (6%) in the style made popular by France’s Northern Rhone regions. The Viognier gives the Shiraz’s rich plum aroma an additional lifted spicy white pepper perfume. The plums take on a deeper but still fresh fruit note on the palate, along with some blackberry, black pepper, and just a hint of vanilla spice and savouriness.
The finish is finely balanced and deserves to be contemplated and enjoyed perhaps with an Autumnal roast venison with celeriac mash. Even better if you can keep a bottle or two down in the cellar for a few years.
Distribution: contact winery for distribution but stocks are limited.
Value: $35.00 +
© Lisa Johnston January 2009
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, February 2010
