Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier Canberra – 2022

Clonakilla, based at high altitude (around 700mts) in the Canberra Highlands, is one of Australia’s cult wineries; demand for their wines vastly exceeds supply every year. 

This Shiraz Viognier is their flagship wine, a careful selection of the best of the Shiraz and Viognier parcels they craft each year from their Murrumbateman vineyard.

“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.” 97+/100 Wine Advocate