Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2011 is made by Tim Kirk, son of founder Dr John Kirk, using fruit from 3 vineyards in the Hilltops region around the town of Young in New South Wales. 80% of the fruit is destemmed and crushed and the juice is fermented with the remaining 20% of the fruit as whole bunches. The wine then has about a years maturation in French oak barrels, 15% of which are first fill. The red loam soils lend a blackberry nuance to this dark purple wine. The nose also has cherry and blackcurrant fruit and some herbs and spice notes. The palate is firm but inviting.