Winemaker Notes

Sean O’Riada is one of the heroes of modern Ireland. A talented musician and composer, he is credited with taking traditional Irish music out of the kitchens and pubs of Ireland and putting it on the concert stages of the world. He died, prematurely, in 1971, the year Clonakilla was established by John Kirk. He was John’s cousin.

The 2023 vintage was the third cool growing season in a row and our latest harvest in over a decade. The spring in particular was cool and wet and the vines were slow to get going. Thankfully some genuine warmth arrived towards the end of summer flowing into a gentle and generally sunny autumn, delivering some gorgeous flavours in the grapes.