A winery with a cult following and the King of the Canberra District wines. Clonakilla and wine maker Tim Kirk make some outstanding wines. 

We love a story behind the wine and this is special. Named after Irish composer Sean O’Riada—who helped bring traditional Irish music to the world stage—this wine is a nod to both heritage and craftsmanship. And there’s a personal touch too—he was actually the cousin of Clonakilla’s founder, John Kirk. He passed away the year the winery was founded. 

Now, let’s talk about what really matters: how it tastes. The 2023 vintage comes from a long, cool growing season, meaning the grapes had plenty of time to develop layers of flavour. Think juicy red and dark berries, a good hit of spice, and some lovely floral notes in the mix. There’s even a bit of earthiness and a touch of something savoury, making every sip a little more interesting.

It’s silky, balanced, and just ridiculously easy to drink. You can crack it open now and enjoy all that freshness, or stash a few bottles away—give it 8 to 10 years, and it’ll only get better.

It’s got all the hallmarks of a top-tier cool-climate Shiraz without the hefty price tag. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a Tuesday night dinner, the O’Riada has you covered.