This ain’t the usual Aussie Shiraz. Grown in cool climate Canberra, it’s all about fragrance and finesse, more akin in style to Northern Rhone Syrah. There’s plenty of red and dark berry aromatics with spices, and the palate is framed lightly and finely structured. It comes from 5 vineyards in the Hilltops district of Canberra.

When John and Julia Kirk moved from County Clare, Ireland to Australia, they were told that Canberra was too cold to grow grapes. Unconvinced of this advice they planted their first vines in 1971. Their estate is now one of Australia’s most celebrated. With their son Tim at the helm, there’s a continued commitment to excellence in the production of cool climate Shiraz, Viognier and Riesling among others.