Canberra District Shiraz Viognier

An absolutely alluring nose with cloves, spice, dried meat and a trace of pepper. Barely medium weight on the palate. Barb loved it for that. Very different to Barossa or McLaren Vale Shiraz. Without a doubt the best Shiraz Viognier blend in Australia although Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 2 (with a few other Rhone varieties in the blend) would give it a run for its money. Really very good with a few years to go but pretty much at its peak.

From magnum and served after the Chardonnay challenge last Saturday. Meaty - savoury and delicious - very Northern Rhone. Vibrant and strong for a 20 year old wine, admittedly from Magnum. Went down well with the Chardonnay tasters.

Initially oak aromas which blew off. Indian spices - more savoury than fruity. Balanced. More than a nod to the Northern Rhone in its structure and tasting profile. A trace of white pepper. Always the best Shiraz Viognier in Australia from Murrumbateman near Canberra. Understated yet delicious. Superb. Perhaps not as spicy fragrant as the really great Clonakilla Shiraz Viogniers of earlier years but with a very long life ahead, like up to 2040 who knows how good the perfume will be then?

Another favourite Australian Red but this 2014 vintage not showing as well as it normally does. I put it down to the vintage. Aromatically it is spicy but subdued; digging deeper there is earth and clove with herbs. With time, meaty aromas emerge. Perhaps more time will reveal more and provide more depth on the palate.

A gorgeous perfume and palate - just a gorgeous wine. The Viognier giving a noticeable apricot note together with dried black cherry and a touch of cinnamon. Medium to full bodied finishing with supple tannins. This has been the benchmark for Shiraz Viognier in Australia for as long as I can remember.

From Magnum and shared with elder brother and sister and their spouses. We had a magnum of the 2001, 414 weeks ago on Delectable and it was a “Wow” wine giving it 96 points. This 2002, 8 years later was unfortunately a little underwhelming. This Cuvée is a good example of an excellent wine which can be cellared too long. Back in the day I had many 750ml bottles of the 2002 which were all excellent. I thought being in magnum would carry the day for the 20 years of cellar time but it was all a bit tired. It was still spicy and savoury but the red fruits had dried out largely. Luckily the family enjoyed it but I was happy to drink this when we did.

Spicy and peppery on the nose with a hint of apricot from the Viognier whose influence has diminished over the years. Red cherry and pepper on the palate. Generally regarded as one of the finest Shiraz blends in Australia. Cool climate - Intensity without weight. I love this style and this 2004 was a treat for the senses. Soft resolved fine savoury tannins. Sadly my last 2004 in 750ml although I did find a magnum after making this note.

Magnum

Mid Ruby in colour. An enticing perfume - very spicy, red florals with a little white pepper. That small percentage of Viognier contributing to the wonderful aromas. The spice/white pepper notes with diminished savoury plum mingle on the medium weight palate. From a wet year in the ACT apparently but this is still brilliant and very different to a Barossa or McLaren Vale blockbuster. This is the best Shiraz Viognier in Australia most local critics would agree. Had another bottle 143 weeks later on 17 January 2024 with notes as above. Certainly in the lighter register but with plenty of pepper and spice. So delicious that Barb and I polished off the bottle on a Wednesday night. Something we would not normally do mid week. I will have the remaining 2 in the next few years. Still 95 points.

Completely crazy good. Nose of tangy berry and Smokey dark fruit after 90 mins. Smooth and layered, charcoal, black fruit and black tea, red clay. So much secondary stuff going on.