Clonakilla Canberra District Shiraz - Viognier 2019

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Clonakilla
Canberra District Shiraz - Viognier 2019

Vintage : 2019
Country : Australia
Region : Canberra District
Subregion :
Type : Red
Style : Rich and Spicy
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 14,5°
Grappes : 94% Syrah, 6% Viognier

The Clonakilla Canberra District Shiraz Viognier is an iconic Australian blend that marries the depth of Shiraz with the aromatic lift of Viognier.

Experts		Score	Vintage
WE	Wine Enthusiast	97	2019
JH	James Halliday	96	2019
RP	Robert Parker	95	2019
W&S	Wines & Spirits	95	2019
WS	Wine Spectator	93	2019

More information on wine critics and ratings

Tasting Note (PDF)

Description
Reviews

Region and Vineyards

The Canberra District in New South Wales, Australia, is recognized for its cool-climate viticulture, which is ideal for producing refined Shiraz. The 2019 growing season saw challenging conditions, with low winter and spring rainfall, which required strategic irrigation to maintain vine health. Fortuitous summer rains in January and February helped ensure that the vines produced concentrated, high-quality fruit. The region’s altitude and cool nights contribute to a balanced acidity, enhancing the wine’s vibrancy and structure.

The Shiraz and Viognier vines benefit from Clonakilla’s careful vineyard management and high standards of sustainable practices. The dry conditions and well-timed rains resulted in a lower yield but intensified flavors in the remaining fruit. The vines are meticulously maintained to capture the unique terroir of Canberra, resulting in a wine that embodies the region’s distinct characteristics.

Winemaking

The Shiraz Viognier is crafted with 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier. The Viognier is co-fermented with the Shiraz, a technique inspired by the wines of Côte-Rôtie in the Rhône Valley, which adds aromatic complexity and a silky texture to the wine. The grapes were hand-harvested at ideal ripeness levels, with the Shiraz picked between 13.5 and 14.5 baumé.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, which included both new and seasoned barrels. This aging process allows the wine’s tannins to integrate and softens the intense fruit flavors, providing a balanced and polished finish. The use of oak is restrained to preserve the wine’s purity, allowing the Canberra District’s terroir to shine through.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep, vibrant ruby with purple hues.
Aroma: Lifted floral notes from the Viognier, intertwined with dark fruits, black cherry, and hints of spice and pepper.
Palate: Full-bodied and opulent, with plush tannins, layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and a hint of spice. The finish is long and refined, with a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.

Did You Know?

This wine is often regarded as one of Australia’s finest red wines and a benchmark for Shiraz-Viognier blends. The Canberra District Shiraz Viognier has gained acclaim for its Rhône-inspired style, blending traditional techniques with the unique qualities of Australian terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

Grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic: Complements the wine’s depth and spice.
Duck confit: The wine’s fruit and acidity balance the richness of duck.
Beef short ribs: Enhances the wine’s robust tannins and dark fruit.
Aged cheddar: Pairs well with the wine’s structure and intense flavors.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 97 Points (2019)

Clonakilla’s Shiraz-Viognier was one of the first of its kind, ushering in a new era of more delicately aromatic and succulent Shiraz Down Under. It remains a benchmark of the style. The color of cherry juice, it’s beautifully perfumed, with aromas of rose petals and white pepper atop earthier, meatier notes. Warm stone undertones back fresh squeezed raspberry, cherry and cranberry juice. In the mouth there’s a succulence to the brambly fruit that comes like the pop of a fresh red berry in the mouth. Crunchy acidity and the raspy power of sappy, fine tannins add structure and complexity. This is finely crafted and distinctly cool climate Aussie wine that drinks well now.

James Halliday (JH) : 96 Points (2019)

Some wines have such distinct DNA. This is one of them. It packs so many layers of flavour and depth, yet never moves much beyond medium body. It smells of a souk market; spicy, peppery and exotic. It's replete with dark fruit, wood char and a touch of wintergreen. Raw silk tannins matched to a neat acid line give freshness, vibrancy and a promise it will last some distance yet.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2019)

The 2019 Shiraz Viognier is from a low-yielding (down around 15% to 20%), warm and dry year with some well-timed summer rain that allowed the vines to produce bright, lively fruit. The warm year brought higher alcohol with it (14.6% alcohol as opposed to the 13.2% of 2021), but the same 6% Viognier inclusion remains. The wine was matured for 18 months in French oak. Where the 2021 is bright, delicate and lacy, this 2019 is denser, muscular and layered with dark, brooding, exotic spices, cocoa nib, licorice root, roasted meat rind and tobacco leaf. In the mouth, the tannins are the most pertinent feature: still powdery fine and shapely, earthy (black) and savory. At no point does any feature of the wine break ranks. There are no strays, no breakaways; this is seamless and contained from all angles. It is an astounding wine and proof that very quickly after release these wines morph into shades of what they will become in older age. Rating: 95+

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 95 Points (2019)

John Kirk planted his vineyard in 1971, 25 miles north of Australia’s capital city of Canberra. The vines, growing on sandy clay loam over decomposed granite, were the first in the region. Later, his son Tim traveled to Côte Rôtie and came back with the idea of cofermenting a small amount of viognier with his 1992 shiraz. The wine quickly attained legendary status in Australia, and this 2019 will quickly make it clear how the site is graced. This is a fragrant, subtle and welcoming wine, a shiraz of elegance, polish and textural complexity. The dark fruit is infused with energy, so it feels juicy without weight, layering scents of fenugreek, curry, violets and mushrooms over the cool tones of the fruit. The wine’s stamina shows as it keeps gaining supple depth with each passing day.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2019)

Effusive, polished and elegant, showing plush flavors of blood orange, raspberry and blueberry at the core, with details of Earl Grey tea, cumin, cloves and white pepper that linger on the long, expressive finish, where the tannins firm up.