Syrah Tasting @ PWS David Jones February 2026

An impressive wine, broad, textural and layered, with such brightness at the center. Dark cherries, blueberries, violets, grilled meat, dried herbs, ashes and warm spices on the nose. It's full-bodied with finely grained tannins. There is a brightness at the center, with crunchy blue fruit and violets mingling with the spices under the watch of a solid frame of finely grained tannins. Structured and harmonious on the broad, dense, textural and focused palate. Such intensity and drive, always in control and with a very refined texture. So much depth and layers funneling trough a vibrant, spicy, flavorful and very long finish. (98) STUART PIGGOT, jamessuckling.com

The 2022 Hermitage will be terrific, if not up with the finest from this estate. Darker currants, roasted meats, leather, and peppery spice notes all define the aromatics, and it's a big, broad-shouldered Hermitage with terrific mid-palate density, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. JEB DUNNUCK, jebdunnuck.com

Wild strawberry and thyme notes make for a fairly light, perfumed style. Has some concentration of fruit, with more blackberry on the palate and cassis. Smooth tannins, well-balanced acidity and low alcohol, this is a charming and approachable style of Hermitage that can be enjoyed in its youth. MATT WALLS, decanter.com

The 2022 Hermitage bursts with prominent orange blossom, crushed violets, wood spice, blackcurrant and splashes of espresso. Majestic and bold, it hits the palate with elevated flavor concentration and remarkable intensity. If all comes together as it should, the 2022 will turn into a Hermitage of real substance and class. NICHOLAS GREINACHER, Vinous

SPECIAL VALUE - Given the fruit is off the estate and from three other properties, this is an excellent drink, in a finer style. A gorgeous purple-red hue and so fragrant with florals and red fruits (from raspberries to currants) all doused with baking spices and a sprinkle of black pepper. The palate is barely mid-weighted yet finely tuned with silty tannins and acidity that gives life. Up there as one of the best O’Riadas to date. (95) JANE FAULKNER, Halliday Wine Companion

O’Riada Shiraz is grown on both Clonakilla’s estate vineyard, and on three other Murrumbateman/Canberra District sites. 20% whole bunches, up to three weeks on skins, both free-run and pressings combined, into French oak for 12 months, 25% new.

This is top notch. It has flavour and length, but it’s the spread of that flavour and the tannin that comes with it that makes you sit up and take notice. This wine is where the smart money’s going. Cherry-plum, five spice, anise, mint, dark soy and florals, with a talc-like feel to the tannin and a general feeling of etching. Super release of O’Riada. (95) CAMPBELL MATTINSON, The Wine Front

Tim Kirk continues to deliver some of the country’s greatest Syrah-based wines at Clonakilla. A cool-climate Syrah specialist inspired by the Rhône, his wines show perfume, spice and finesse. This is a producer that consistently sets the benchmark for Australian Shiraz in a more refined, medium-bodied style.