2015 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier, Canberra District

"This is a rare beauty, to see a Syrah-based wine that delivers power in such an elegant way. 2015 is a really impressive vintage for Clonakilla across the board and this, the flagship wine, is every bit as great as it should be. The aromatic spectrum is vast, from fine musky florals to white pepper and almost every imaginable spice, then an incredibly exuberant explosion of fruit, boysenberry, raspberry, cherries of every shade, and plums from red to blue and purple; it is full of life.

The palate has an incredibly deep draw, total palate saturation of ripe red cherry, raspberry and red plum flavour, chocolate and a dusting of white pepper. The tannins radiate light and energy, bright from start to finish. Perfectly ripe, seamlessly balanced and actually very approachable.

Drink it now, but there's plenty to come in time; this will be best from 2022."

by Tim Stock

98 pts – J. Halliday: ‘Tim Kirk's Socratean dissatisfaction has led to changes in the vineyard and winery alike. One particular change is the increase in the percentage of whole bunches, resulting in even greater perfume and more texture, yet leaving the mouth fresh. Spices are embroidered on the red fruits with unequalled attention to detail.$110/14%alc/2030