2014 · Hilltops Shiraz

Founded in 1971 by former CSIRO scientist Dr John Kirk, Clonakilla is a family-owned and operated estate in Murrumbateman, in the Canberra District of New South Wales. John Kirk’s son Tim now leads the business and winemaking. The estate is particularly celebrated for its Shiraz Viognier, widely regarded as one of Australia’s great Shiraz-based wines, alongside Rhône-style blends, Pinot Noir and other small-batch releases. Vineyards are managed primarily conventionally, with experiments in organic composting and interest in biodynamic methods, but no formal sustainability certifications. Quality is prioritised over volume: blocks that do not meet the required standard may be left unpicked, and the winery has declined to produce in difficult vintages when quality could not be assured.