Wines Canberra District Clonakilla - O'Riada Shiraz - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Clonakilla’s O’Riada Shiraz 2023 from the Canberra District in New South Wales, Australia, is a beautifully expressive red wine that captures the distinctive character of cool-climate Shiraz. Typically crafted from meticulously selected Syrah grapes, the wine often undergoes partial whole-bunch fermentation, which brings aromatic lift and texture. With the careful ageing in French oak barrels, the result is a wine of finesse: vibrant and deeply coloured, it offers an inviting bouquet of dark berries, black pepper, violets, and a subtle hint of earthiness. The palate demonstrates elegant balance with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and layers of plum, blackberry, spice, and an underlying savoury complexity that pays tribute to Clonakilla’s commitment to nuanced winemaking.

The Canberra District, situated at the northern edge of the Australian Alps, is known for its cool continental climate and elevated vineyards, typically between 600 and 800 metres above sea level. The region’s climate, with warm days and cool nights, allows a long growing season resulting in grapes with concentrated flavours and vibrant acidity. The soils are varied, with granitic and volcanic influences lending minerality and structure to the wines. Canberra District’s rise to recognition is relatively recent, but its Shiraz—especially when inspired by the Northern Rhône—has quickly become a benchmark for Australian cool-climate red wine, and Clonakilla is at the very heart of this story.

O’Riada Shiraz’s aromatic intensity and spice make it an ideal partner for lamb—think slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary, or even a pepper-crusted kangaroo fillet for a local touch. It also pairs beautifully with duck dishes, grilled aubergines, or mushroom risotto, while robust, hard cheeses can further highlight its graceful tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for an hour will allow its bouquet to unfurl and its structure to soften, revealing the wine’s full complexity. This is a Shiraz that drinks beautifully young but will gain further depth and harmony with a few years in the cellar.