Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2024

Product Description:
Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2024 is the estate’s flagship Canberra District red, composed of 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier. The wine reflects Clonakilla’s celebrated interpretation of cool-climate Shiraz, combining intense perfume, finely shaped tannins and controlled power. The 2024 season began with damaging October frosts that significantly reduced vineyard yields. The remainder of the growing season was evenly warm, with timely rainfall supporting balanced fruit development. Glorious conditions through late summer and early autumn allowed the surviving grapes to build powerful aromas and concentrated flavour. The wine underwent approximately three weeks of maceration in stainless steel tanks, followed by full malolactic fermentation. It was then matured for 12 months in fine-grained French oak barriques and puncheons before being bottled without fining. 

The 2024 release is richly perfumed, revealing orange blossom, rose, violet, raspberry, black cherry, blackberry and peppercorn. Its fruit is ripe and concentrated, yet the wine retains the aromatic detail and refinement for which Clonakilla is renowned. The palate is layered and juicy, with black and red fruits supported by savoury spice, measured oak and fine-grained tannins. Compared with the preceding cooler vintage, this release possesses greater ripeness and power while remaining elegant and composed. The finish is focused and persistent, carrying floral nuances, dark fruit and peppery spice. Although already expressive, its balance, structural depth and critical drinking windows indicate excellent potential for development through the 2040s. 

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Intensely perfumed and complex
Orange blossom, rose, violet, raspberry seed, blackberry, black cherry and freshly cracked peppercorn. 

PALATE
– Layered, powerful and finely structured
Juicy raspberry, blackberry, plum and cassis with savoury spice, measured oak and silky, fine-grained tannins. 

FINISH
– Exceptionally long and focused
Lingering dark fruit, floral perfume, peppery spice and finely integrated tannins. 

Reviews & Accolades
“Immaculate balance, extraordinary length, a seductive texture and the silkiest of tannins, it will provide immense pleasure for at least the next two decades.” — Ken Gargett, WinePilot, 99 Points

“The 2024 Shiraz Viognier is so perfumed from the glass, with notes of orange blossom and Boscobel rose, raspberry seed and peppercorns.” — Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate, 97 Points

“Juicy middle surrounded by fine grained balancing tannins. Already has lovely drinkability. Superb shiraz.” — Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 97 Points

Finer Details:
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Shiraz, Viognier
Country – Australia
Region – New South Wales
Vintage – 2024
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 14%