Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2016

The flagship of Clonakilla, their Shiraz Viognier, is created from a careful selection of the highest quality Shiraz Viognier parcels they craft each year from their Murrumbateman vineyard.

The 2016 vintage was generous and early. Late summer temperatures were consistently warmer than average and a larger than average crop proved to be a double blessing, slowing the ripening, which would have otherwise raced ahead, and filling the fermenters in the winery with some of the most opulent, spice laden, dark berry fruit yet to be have seen. A powerful vintage with great cellaring potential.

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier has lost none of its charm or power over the years, but it has become a lighter, more elegant and more finely drawn wine. The subtle change is clearly evident with this 2016. For a long time we’ve played with the term Burgundian Shiraz, especially in relation to Clonakilla, but the phrase is becoming increasingly apt. This wine is light on its feet, perfumed, exotic, marshalled with fruit and spice, and tannic. It doesn’t wallop you upfront; it saves itself for the finish. It’s not an impetuous wine. There are candied notes here, dry spices, woody anise, a whisper of peppercorn. I would almost describe this wine as crisp, such is its lack of gloop, its finesse, its cleansing run of flavour-infused acidity. This release will age magnificently. - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 96 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Shiraz Viognier
Country - Australia
Region - Murrumbateman, New South Wales
Vintage - 2016
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%