Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2009

Clonakilla is an Australian winery located in the Canberra wine region of Murrumbateman, New South Wales. The winery was founded by Dr. John Kirk AM, an Irish biochemist who immigrated to Australia from the United Kingdom in 1968 to work as a research scientist at the CSIRO. The first vintage from the region was produced in 1976, and Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier has since become one of the most iconic Australian wines. The Shiraz Viognier blend was first introduced by Clonakilla in 1992, inspired by Tim Kirk's visit to the Rhône Valley in France. The wine is a blend of Shiraz and Viognier grapes, with the Viognier adding a floral and aromatic complexity to the wine. Clonakilla's Shiraz Viognier has received numerous accolades, including being named Wine of the Year by James Halliday in 2010 and receiving a perfect score from Robert Parker in 2015. In addition to Shiraz Viognier, Clonakilla produces other red and white wines, including Riesling, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is known for its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices and has received numerous awards for its environmental stewardship. Clonakilla is a winery with a rich history and a reputation for producing some of the best wines in Australia.

Clonakilla wines are known for their elegance, balance and complexity. The winery's signature Shiraz Viognier blend is a perfect example of this style, with the Shiraz providing structure and depth, while the Viognier adds a floral and aromatic complexity to the wine. Clonakilla's red wines are typically medium-bodied with a bright acidity and soft tannins. They are often described as being fruit-driven, with flavors of dark berries and plums, and a subtle spiciness. The winery's white wines, on the other hand, are crisp and refreshing with a mineral-driven character and flavors of citrus and stone fruit. Clonakilla wines are characterized by their balance and finesse. They are not overly alcoholic or extracted, and are made with a minimalist approach to winemaking. The winery's commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices also contributes to the unique style of their wines, which are often described as having a sense of place and terroir.

The Shiraz Viognier blend is a classic wine style that originated in the Rhône Valley of France and has since become popular in other wine regions around the world, particularly in Australia. The blend typically consists of Shiraz (also known as Syrah) and Viognier grapes, with the Viognier usually making up a small percentage of the blend. The addition of Viognier to Shiraz can have a significant impact on the resulting wine. Viognier is a white grape variety that is known for its floral and aromatic qualities, and when blended with Shiraz, it can add a perfume-like aroma to the wine, as well as lift the color and enliven the flavors. The Viognier also contributes a silky texture to the wine and can help to balance the tannins in the Shiraz. In Australia, the Shiraz Viognier blend has become particularly popular, with many wineries producing their own versions of the wine. The style is particularly well-suited to the warm climate of many Australian wine regions, where Shiraz is a common grape variety.

The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2009 is a stunning example of the winery's commitment to producing wines with natural balance and roundness. The fruit for this wine is sourced from two adjacent estate-owned vineyards, one with south-east and south-west aspects and the other facing north-east. The soils are granitic with sandy brown and red loams over friable clay, providing the perfect terroir for this blend of Shiraz and Viognier. On the nose, this wine is highly aromatic, with notes of ginger, white pepper and apricot fruit, as well as a subtle underlying savoury French oak. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with fine slinky dry tannins that provide a beautiful structure to the wine. The Viognier component is a subliminal influence, melting into the Shiraz and adding a touch of floral complexity. After maturing for 12 months in one third new French barriques, the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2009 is now at its peak, with hints of dark cherries, plums and deep red fruits. The wine has a deep, clear red color that is attractive on the nose, with a tug of fruit and a touch of floral. The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2009 is a beautiful wine that captures the essence of contemporary winemaking philosophy and regional expression.

It’s a superb release. It is so silken, so finely tannic, and so persistent. It tastes of roasted meats, dark cherries, boysenberries and a wild array of spices. The way its tannin curls through the finish is quite astonishing. This is a soft and fairly open release; it’s so well balanced, and mellifluous, and inherently complex that you can pretty much get maximum enjoyment from it now, in its extreme youth. It will of course age long-term if you desire. - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 96 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz, Viognier
Country - Australia
Region - Murrumbatmen, New South Wales
Vintage - 2009
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%