-
98
/ 100
Tyson Stelzer -
97
/ 100
Erin Larkin -
97
/ 100
Huon Hooke -
95
/ 100
Mike Bennie
Red
Classification
Shiraz
Variety
2022
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
New South Wales, Canberra District
Region
13.5%
Alcohol %
10-15 Years
Cellaring
Awards
Halliday 5 Red Stars WineryScores
98 / 100"There is at once a distinguished calm on display here that sings to the anthem of an effortless, extended, cool ripening season, and at the same time a rising crescendo of flamboyant spice, white pepper, pot pourri and florals. “A towering monument to shiraz viognier. A benchmark. A revelation.” Monumental gravitas is declared in granitic tannins of super-fine texture, enlivened by the fantastic tension of cool-season acidity, together promising a lifespan at the outer realms of Clonakilla potential. A towering monument to shiraz viognier. A benchmark. A revelation."
- Tyson Stelzer
97 / 100
"The 2022 Shiraz Viognier is sensational, but that assessment isn't breaking any ground. It includes 5% Viognier co-fermented and had 20% to 35% whole bunches in the ferment. Lacy, ethereal and structural, this is equal part Boscobel rose (which, to me, smells of raspberry leaf tea and rose essence) and roasted meat juices. It is sweet and savory, spicy and svelte and peppered by layers of pastrami and roast beetroot. There are notes of earth, licorice, black tea, jasmine flowers in summer and lashings of dried exotic spices. This is affirming and good, so good. Drink it now for Pinot-esque pleasure or in 15-20 years for elegant, meaty, ethereal, fresh, complex, layered excitement. All good either way. This is one of my favorite Australian Shirazes. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."
- Erin Larkin
97 / 100
"Medium depth red-purple colour with a complex and lifted floral/pepper/mixed spice, graphite and violet bouquet, a trace of blueberry too, the palate intense and medium bodied, with ample fine-grained tannins and appealing balance. Seamless, harmonious wine with a lingering farewell. A wine of purity and unalloyed beauty."
- Huon Hooke
95 / 100
"The cool vintage writ large, indeed. Beauty in quiet spaces. It’s a compact and fresh-feeling release, gossamer threads drawn in a complex tapestry. Perfume is pretty, rose petals, violet this year, red cherry, fresh and sour, woody spices in clove and cinnamon, a touch of alpine herb. The palate is lacy, light on and quite transparent, a touch diffuse at present, but draws on its sheath of feathery tannin to tighten nicely, let’s say fine structure, while cooler red fruit flavours, woody and smoky spices lend character gently, but with potential on show. Right now, pianissimo as they say, but wait for the crescendo to come."
- Mike Bennie
Tasting Notes
Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier began its life after a career defining trip to the Côte-Rôtie in the mid 90s which set Tim Kirk on the journey towards producing one of Australia's best Shiraz. Determined to show that Australia could produce elegant but still powerful Shiraz, Tim's work has paid off with his flagship being acclaimed worldwide. In only 15 years, the Shiraz Viognier has attained 'Exceptional' status with Langton's, the highest possible.
Gorgeous, silky texture, a symphony of character in fragrance, game meats, herbs, red berries, clove, sweet spice. The palate is incredible – supple, pliant, long, satiny yet etched with the finest tat-work of lacy tannin. It’s savoury, fruit driven, pure-feeling but lifted on fine spicy oak and glossy acidity. It's a new classic for Clonakilla.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity