Clonakilla
Canberra District Shiraz Viognier
Canberra District, Southern New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
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.
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.
Feb 4th, 2024A 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.
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.
Jul 29th, 2023From 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.
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.
Jun 30th, 2022Spicy 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.
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.
Feb 23rd, 2022
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.
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.
Apr 24th, 2021
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.
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.
Nov 1st, 2020
A masculine showing of this wine today, vintage traits perhaps?
Generally known as a vibrant and balanced wine but today a little heavy handed.
How amazing is wine!?
A masculine showing of this wine today, vintage traits perhaps?
Generally known as a vibrant and balanced wine but today a little heavy handed.
How amazing is wine!?
Very composed, young and fresh
Silky tannin
Quite old world style
Raspberry, irony and pretty floral
Already enjoyable
Very composed, young and fresh
Silky tannin
Quite old world style
Raspberry, irony and pretty floral
Already enjoyable
At the Toowoomba Wine Show judges dinner. My contribution from Magnum and the benchmark for Shiraz Viognier in Australia. Unfortunately the cork gods conspired against us. No rating from me.
At the Toowoomba Wine Show judges dinner. My contribution from Magnum and the benchmark for Shiraz Viognier in Australia. Unfortunately the cork gods conspired against us. No rating from me.
Oct 1st, 2019