Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier - An Australian Icon

The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is an important part of the Australian wine story. Perhaps due to its continental location (Murrumbateman, in the Canberra District), perhaps due to its distinctive house style, the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is a very fine (almost lacy) wine on release, and yet it comes with 20 or 30 years (or more!) potential in the cellar. Here I look at six wines, spanning 2006 to the just released 2021 and discuss the vintages that birthed these wines, and how they are travelling at this point in time. (The problem with the 2021 is that it is so delicious, and most of it will be consumed before it gets the opportunity to present like the glorious, graceful 2006 that I taste here. Maybe a good problem to have, maybe not!).
In terms of points ranking, I place this wine, in a good year such as 2021, in the top echelon of Shiraz Viognier produced not just in Australia, but in the Southern Hemisphere, and if you have not tasted one yet, I strongly recommend that you track one down.
Additionally, if you're a Pinot drinker, this may satisfy you in ways that you did not expect... do not expect a big Barossan style wine - this thing is slinky ;)
-
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - 2021 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, Murrumbateman, 13.2% alc
2:45 - 2019 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, Murrumbateman, 14% alc
4:38 - 2015 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, Murrumbateman, 14% alc
6:03 - 2013 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, Murrumbateman, 14% alc
7:11 - 2009 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, Murrumbateman, 14% alc
8:35 - 2006 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, Murrumbateman, 14% alc
-
Video link. Australian Shiraz Viognier - How Does it Compare to Northern Rhone?: Australian Shiraz Viognier - How does...
-
Video link. 2018 Guigal Lalas - Built to Last: 2018 Guigal Lala’s - Built To Last
-
Any review you see on my socials (Instagram: erinllarkin, this channel and my website (https://www.erinlarkin.com.au) are never paid for by wineries or anyone else: the wines are featured on their merits - because they have risen to the top in tastings.  If you try the wines I recommend and you like them - good! Because so do I.
-
If you have video requests, feel free to post them in the COMMUNITY tab!