AU
New Zealand
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97 Points
Clonakilla channels Murrumbateman’s granite soils into pure Syrah, showcasing a single-site expression that highlights the estate’s precision and cool-climate finesse
97pts, Huon Hooke!
Sourced from a premium private cellar
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Description
Clonakilla has been at the forefront of Australian Shiraz Viognier since the 1990s, establishing a benchmark for perfumed, cool-climate reds in the Canberra District. The Kirk family’s focus on vineyard health and low-intervention winemaking allows their wines to faithfully express both site and season.
The 2016 Shiraz Viognier was crafted from hand-picked fruit, co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier and a proportion of whole bunches. Wild yeast fermentation and gentle extraction were followed by 12 months’ maturation in French oak barriques (about one-third new), ensuring a balance of fruit purity and subtle spice.
The resulting wine is beautifully aromatic - violets, black cherry, white pepper, and savoury hints rise from the glass. The palate is silky and poised, with vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins, and layers of red and black fruits interwoven with spice and a touch of earth. Persistent and elegant, the 2016 release shows the finesse, lift, and length that define Clonakilla’s house style. Cellar-worthy, yet already showing remarkable harmony and appeal.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Food Pairings:
Game
Pork
Red Meat
Description
Clonakilla has been at the forefront of Australian Shiraz Viognier since the 1990s, establishing a benchmark for perfumed, cool-climate reds in the Canberra District. The Kirk family’s focus on vineyard health and low-intervention winemaking allows their wines to faithfully express both site and season.
The 2016 Shiraz Viognier was crafted from hand-picked fruit, co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier and a proportion of whole bunches. Wild yeast fermentation and gentle extraction were followed by 12 months’ maturation in French oak barriques (about one-third new), ensuring a balance of fruit purity and subtle spice.
The resulting wine is beautifully aromatic - violets, black cherry, white pepper, and savoury hints rise from the glass. The palate is silky and poised, with vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins, and layers of red and black fruits interwoven with spice and a touch of earth. Persistent and elegant, the 2016 release shows the finesse, lift, and length that define Clonakilla’s house style. Cellar-worthy, yet already showing remarkable harmony and appeal.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Food Pairings:
Game
Pork
Red Meat
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Game
Pork
Red Meat
