2026 Clonakilla Viognier Nouveau, Canberra District

Viognier has always been important at Clonakilla since it was first planted back in 1986, perhaps most famously with their extraordinary Shiraz Viognier, but also as a solo varietal. The Nouveau style is fermented in stainless steel, with the intention of enhancing the aromatics. They use no oak with this wine to ensure it is simply pure fruit. The colour is that of shimmering straw. The nose is a little more refined than we might usually expect, but there are hints of stone fruits, apricot skins, pink musk, ginger and citrus evident. A bright style which is flavour first, the wine of medium length with a soft and gentle finish. For enjoying over the next year or two.

92 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, September 2026

This wine has stepped up in recent years and this is another very good release. It tastes of fennel, apricot kernels, tonic water, brine and aromatic citrus, the latter stepping into blossom-like territory. There’s also a smidgen of mandarin. It’s effusive and it’s delicious, though it’s just a bit serious too. I like it very much.

Campbell Mattinson for The Wine Front

Clonakilla Viognier Nouveau from the Canberra District is a bright, juicy, and aromatic take on Viognier, made in a fresh and early-drinking style that’s quite unlike most traditional examples of the variety. Crafted by Tim Kirk, one of Australia’s most admired winemakers, this wine is a rare example of Viognier bottled young and intended to capture the vibrant energy of the just-finished vintage.

The fruit is grown in Murrumbateman at Clonakilla’s cool-climate estate vineyards, where Viognier ripens slowly and evenly thanks to high elevation, granite-rich soils and cool nights. While Clonakilla’s flagship Viognier is rich and textured, the Nouveau is all about youthful perfume, freshness and drinkability.

Serve it chilled as an aperitif, or pair with Vietnamese rice paper rolls, grilled prawns, or peach and burrata salad. It’s best enjoyed young, ideally within one to two years of release, when its youthful charm is at its peak.