Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2022
The 2022 Shiraz Viognier is sensational, but that assessment isn't breaking any ground. It includes 5% Viognier co-fermented and had 20% to 35% whole bunches in the ferment. Lacy, ethereal and structural, this is equal part Boscobel rose (which, to me, smells of raspberry leaf tea and rose essence) and roasted meat juices. It is sweet and savoury, spicy and svelte and peppered by layers of pastrami and roast beetroot. There are notes of earth, liquorice, black tea, jasmine flowers in summer and lashings of dried exotic spices. This is affirming and good, so good. Drink it now for Pinot-esque pleasure or in 15-20 years for elegant, meaty, ethereal, fresh, complex, layered excitement. All good either way. This is one of my favourite Australian Shirazes. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2042. 97+ Points. Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate.
The cool vintage writ large, indeed. Beauty in quiet spaces. It's a compact and fresh-feeling release, gossamer threads drawn in a complex tapestry. Perfume is pretty, rose petals, violet this year, red cherry, fresh and sour, woody spices in clove and cinnamon, a touch of alpine herb.
The palate is lacy, light on and quite transparent, a touch diffuse at present, but draws on its sheath of feathery tannin to tighten nicely, let's say fine structure, while cooler red fruit flavours, woody and smoky spices lend character gently, but with potential on show. Right now, pianissimo as they say, but wait for the crescendo to come. 95+ points, drink 2025-2040+, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.