Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2018 750ml

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2018  is a masterful cool‑climate red that channels the spirit of Côte‑Rôtie through an Australian lens. Co‑fermented with around 5–6% Viognier alongside 94–95% Shiraz, and vinified with 20 to 35% whole‑bunch inclusion, this 2018 vintage achieved iconic status and praised as “phenomenal...the best vintage made at Clonakilla to date! Perfection!” by James Suckling and Nick Stock (99 pts) . The colour is medium to deep red/purple and the bouquet is lifted, spicy, aromatic and floral, with refinement and tension in the mouth. Fragrant herbs, mint, subtle pepper and mixed spices. Violets and assorted berries. There's great intensity as well as elegance here, and the tannins are fine and firm, tautly-tensioned and precise, running the full length of the very long palate. A delicious wine in a medium-bodied but seriously structured style. Halliday Wine Companion - 97 Points Hand-picked and sorted, fermented with 28% whole bunches and 6% viognier. Apart from a hail storm in Jan, a perfect growing season. Fragrant to the point of perfumed aromas of spices, rose petals and red fruit blossom. The palate is, as ever, very complex, with spice berries sewn together in a necklace of tannins. The length is all one could wish for. - James Halliday, Wine Companion 2021