Clonakilla, Shiraz Viognier, Canberra District 2017

One of the greatest vintages of this wine. It has a super complex array of white and black peppers, hard brown spices, leaves, flowers and fresh wet earth, as well as graphite-like dark stony notes. The palate is immaculately detailed, long and silky with flavors of blackberries, red cherries, red plums, dark cherries, blackberries and dark chocolate. The palate is delivered with steady elegance and power, showing unwavering build and a seemingly never-ending trail of fresh and spicy fruit flavors. With the most immaculate tannins, too. The real soul of this wine shines through in this perfectly simpatico vintage. Fascinating to drink now, but it is best to give it some time. Try around 2025.

This beautifully composed 2017 Shiraz Viognier is a bit shy to begin. Still, it slowly opens up to reveal layers of dark cherry, musk, and roasted spices, all delivered in a precise and focused package. A chalky tannic frame supports an abundance of flavour with juicy acidity providing impact before it unfurls over a long spicy finish. Very impressive and will no doubt improve over time.