[SOLD-OUT] Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2003

Wine Front 94 points!

---

"Glossy, perfumed, smoky, beautiful introduction. Again those nutty elements. Palate is juicy, cherried, sappy, delicious. In great form, with a great future ahead. Combination of spicy interest and slippery-smooth mid-palate texture is glorious. Drink: 2013-2022."

---

Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front August, October 2007

---

Jeremy Oliver 96 Points!

---

Ripe, generous and assertive, this northern Rhone-like blend has a meaty fragrance whose viognier-derived perfume enhances the muskiness and spiciness of its earthy, red berry shiraz. Despite its sumptuous texture and powerful flavours, it's a silky, fine and elegant wine richly endowed with dark fruits and framed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Savoury, tightly focused and supremely balanced. (19/20,2011-2015+)

---

Jeremy Oliver, 2004

---

In something of a scoop for Winewise we tasted the just-bottled 2003 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier days before going to print. Although this wine won't be released for a few months, our sneak preview may encourage you to seek it out. We've commented in the past that Australian shiraz is heading in an exciting new direction, with makers in cooler areas producing exciting wines that rival those from Cote Rotie and Hermitage. Clonakilla is one of the leaders, and the 2003 is an intense yet supremely elegant shiraz with a subtly complex, slightly spicy bouquet and an exquisite fragrance derived from both varietal components. The palate is very long and very fine. Outstanding

---

Lester Jesberg, WINEWISE, June 2004

---

 

---

Tim Kirk at Clonakilla helped instigate the Aussie trend toward co-fermenting shiraz with Viognier, a traditional practice in Cote Rotie. And his is consistently among the best. Both the color and the aroma are bright and vivid, a dynamic red cherry and red spice scent running straight through the wine. It's supple and glowing with sweet fruit when first poured, chewy and delicious. With air, the brisk tannin and acid structure become more apparent, balancing the sweetness in a long, satisfying finish. Decant a bottle for butterflied leg of lamb, grilled with rosemary.

---

94 points - 100 Best Wines - Best Australian Shiraz Blend - Wine and Spirits (US) Winter 2005

---

Country:

Australia

Region:

ACT (Canberra)

Variety:

Wine Red - Shiraz

Size:

750mL