SEASON

We were blessed with almost perfect ripening conditions in Clare throughout spring and summer. Good rainfall and cool weather allowed our grapes to ripen in a consistent manner leading to stunning levels of acidity and optimum maturity in our Riesling and reds. The moderate temperatures in January and February resulted in a slight delay in picking, but this allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and gently, producing premium fruit for our winemakers to showcase their skill and expertise.

HARVEST

We harvested our Clare Riesling two weeks later than normal, with picking commencing on the 1^stof March and by the 15^thof March, all the Riesling was in tank and happily fermenting. We are delighted by the depth of colour in our 2022 reds which are now almost through malolactic fermentation. This year we had access to grape varieties including Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Malbec and Grenache, an exciting range for our winemakers and vintage staff.

SOURCE

Over the 2022 vintage, we worked with varieties and techniques new to the Kirrihill stable, a perfect opportunity for our winemakers to use their skill, flair and have some fun.  With the addition of small batches, including a parcel of Grenache from Clare, whole bunch fermentation of Grenache from the Barossa and hand selected Shiraz from our iconic Schobers vineyard, we are excited about the wines the 2022 vintage will deliver.

THE TEAM

It's been a cracker of a vintage for the Kirrihill team and we couldn’t have done it without our brilliant vintage staff that joined us locally and from interstate. Despite challenges presented by covid travel restrictions, we were delighted to also have a strong international contingent joining us from Canada, France, South Africa and China. 

THE WINES

Our wines already look amazing, reflecting Clare characteristics. The Riesling is pristine and limey with an appealing acid drive. The Shiraz has depth and texture with lovely red fruits and spices, the Cabernet shows blue fruit characteristics, is well balanced and has a lovely bright fruit spectrum. With the variation in conditions of each vintage, changing flavour profiles present the team with an opportunity to work with beautiful fruit, innovate and to create something special, that we know you will love to drink and share.

Cheers!