Jeremy Oliver 97 points!
Campbell Mattinson 95 points!
Wine Advocate 96 points!
Jeremy Oliver 97 points!Building towards a crescendo of richness and strength, this is a stellar wine of rare balance, poise and elegance. Its floral, musky and spicy bouquet of pristine black and red berries, ground pepper and cedar/vanilla oak precede a silky-smooth, supple and seamless palate whose piercingly intense berry/plum flavours, briary undertones and seasoned oak deliver exceptional length and harmony. Precisely focused, it finishes quite savoury and spicy, with emphatic depth and presence. 97 points 2020-2028+
- Jeremy Oliver, June 11, 2009
Campbell Mattinson 95 points!The rise in status of this wine over the past ten years has been phenomenal. It is now a contender for the mantle of 'Australia's best red wine'. 2008 Release; Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is usually a beautiful drink straight out of the blocks " you can keep it, but it provides a richly hedonistic drinking experience from the day of release. This 2008, though, is going to need some time. It's a dense, headstrong wine, chock-full of blackberry and soy and cherry-plum flavours and flecked with trademark pepper spice. It has all its components in place, but isn't up and running yet. It should be great as a mature wine. 95 points Drink 2014 " 2024.
- Campbell Mattinson, The Big Red Wine Book, 2009/10
What is Australia's best red wine? It's a totally subjective question but some would put this Canberra District shiraz viognier on the short list. The 2008, although due for September release, is included here because demand is always high. To secure some, it might be wise to register interest with your wine shop now. Less structured and more precocious than the great '07, it's deliciously subtle and complex. Aromas of plums, raspberries, gentle peppery spice, milk chocolate and restrained florals introduce a beautifully silky, seamless palate. Smooth flavours weave through a long, superfine mouthful, resting on very soft tannins. It develops very well with breathing. Five Stars.
- Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, August 11, 2009
Extraordinary colour, deep magenta red with loads of pip and plums with a distinct Canberra spice note. A touch of dried herbs, superb oak integration, plush yet powerful tannins, layered, complex but not so much that it can't be savoured now, although it'll be much better in a few years.
- Jane Faulkner, The Age, August 15, 2009
Wine Advocate 96 points! The 2008 Shiraz Viognier is one of the finest vintages that I've tasted of this wine. Co-fermented with 6% Viognier, it was matured for 12 months in French oak, 30% new. The nose is a little closed and needs coaxing at this stage to reveal complex notes of smoky bacon and loam followed by licorice, red plums, crushed blackberries, peach blossoms and rose petals. Crisp acidity, medium level of very fine tannins and layers of savory and dark berry flavors. Very long finish. Drink 2014 to 2024.
- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate # 188 Apr 2010
Country:
Australia
Region:
ACT (Canberra)
Variety:
Wine Red - Shiraz
Size:
750mL
