2022 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier
A legend within a legend, the humble title of Shiraz Viognier appears on this most sought-after label from this boutique Canberra estate. The wine is famous for its inimitable combination of succulent brightness and charm when young, along with a proven potential to improve for decades and decades in the cellar. This rare "treasure" will not stick around! Collect!
Grape
Shiraz
Its Origins
Clonakilla winery is a family business, established by John Kirk in 1971. Developing a vineyard and winery business was originally a weekend distraction for John. He had first developed an interest in wine when he was fourteen. His parents owned the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland. When he came home from boarding school one summer he was given the job of looking after the bar and stocking the hotel cellars. To get a handle on his new responsibilities he began to read about the great wine regions of Europe. He soon became smitten with the idea of wine. His personal knowledge of the subject was greatly expanded through his years of study at Cambridge University, his post doctoral work at Oxford and his time as a lecturer in biochemistry at the university town of Aberystwyth in Wales. In 1968 John took up an offer to come to Australia to take a research position with the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry in Canberra. John first planted Shiraz at Clonakilla in 1972. Through the seventies and eighties the Shiraz was blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in traditional Australian style. In 1990 it was decided to keep the Shiraz component separate. The Clonakilla 1990 Shiraz went on to win one silver, two gold and two trophies in three showings. James Halliday described it as “a tour de force in spicy/peppery varietal character”. Needless to say, the Kirks began to see Murrumbateman Shiraz in a new light.
What The Critics Say
98/100 Tyson Stelzer
“A towering monument to shiraz viognier. A benchmark. A revelation. 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. 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."
97+/100 RobertParker.com, Erin Larkin
"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." Drink 2023 - 2042
97/100 The Real Review, Huon Hooke
"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. For those seeking Barossa or Brunello, look elsewhere! A supremely sophisticated wine that takes patience to unravel. (5% co-fermented viognier)" Drink 2023 - 2038
| Variety | Shiraz / Syrah |
|---|---|
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.00% |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2042 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
