| 2016 Clonakilla Shiraz/Viognier
$100
The 2016 vintage was generous and early. Late summer temperatures were consistently warmer than average and a larger than average crop proved to be a double blessing, slowing the ripening, which would have otherwise raced ahead, and filling the fermenters in our newly expanded winery with some of the most opulent, spice laden, dark berry fruit we have seen. A powerful vintage with great cellaring potential.
Tim Kirk, Clonakilla
The perfumed, spicy bouquet of red flowers and fruits doesn't prepare you for the intensity and piercing length... This is a truly glorious wine that draws you back again and again to explore the wealth of red fruit flavours and the majesty of its textures and flavours.
98 points, James Halliday
This is a shiraz viognier of the highest order, with desperate purity of white pepper, whole bunch mixed spice and plum skin, and a super fine, gravelly tannin structure of breathtaking presence yet unerring finesse. In enduring line, undeviating persistence and sheer, glorious beauty, this vintage sits confidently among the greatest syrahs on earth.
97 points, Tyson Stelzer, WBM Magazine …light on its feet, perfumed, exotic, marshalled with fruit and spice… There are candied notes here, dry spices, woody anise, a whisper of peppercorn. I would almost describe this wine as crisp, such is its… finesse, its cleansing run of flavour-infused acidity.
96 points, Campbell Mattinson The detailed layering in this wine is superb, as is the measured expression of exuberant fruit. Aromas of baking spices, pepper and bright red berry and cherry fruits make for enticing youthful appeal. The palate has an incredibly silky and elegant appeal. Bright red cherry and plum fruits.
96 points, Nick Stock jamessuckling.com
The epic 2015 release was a hard act to follow but they have backed it up with a jaw-droppingly beautiful wine. It is a pure dark and red fruit canvas dotted with hints of game, spice, herbs and violet. Supple and silky on the palate with great detail and poise, a gentle cascade of fine tannin provides support for the cellar.
Dave Brookes, The Adelaide Review
...a classic in the making. Plum, spice, foresty, peppery and meaty on the nose; medium-bodied, silky and elegant in the mouth, with a long superfine finish. Canberra's best red wine.
Ralph Kyte-Powell |