2016 Shiraz/Viognier Canberra District
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Tasting notes
Tasted alongside the latest release, the 2022, the 2016 is starting to show the very first hints of tertiary complexity, with an earthy, savoury, almost petrichor edge to the nose. It is, nevertheless, still vibrant and fresh, full of sweet black cherry and more bramble tones, much darker-fruited than its younger sibling. This is no surprise given 2016 was a much warmer, more generous growing season, and the wine has a touch more alcohol (14%) as a result. It's spicy and gorgeously smooth, retaining Clonakilla's medium-bodied elegance, the fruit driving a long finish with an iron note. Still full of life.
Critic scores
Average Score
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
A generous, warm vintage. Same vineyard as the 2022 but 94% Shiraz, 6% Viognier. And same winemaking. Screwcap. Bricky garnet. Suggestion of smoked meats along with the still-perfumed fruit. Complex, layered style, where finesse trumps power. Juicy, still founded on pure fruit even with these developed characteristics. Finest of tannins shape the wine but also reveal it. (JH)
This 2016 vintage of Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is an outlier thanks to the hot season. An unusual opulence immediately impresses, thanks to lashings of fruit - mulberry and blackberry with raspberry jam topped by exotic florals. Plush fruit and smooth tannins reinforce impressive drinkability before finishing with layers of supple, spicy, mouth-filling flavour—a decadent but relatively early drinking vintage of Clonakilla.
Gosh this is expensive now! But then it is one of Australia's classic wines… Mid garnet. Seriously salty and smooth with not-too-obvious Viognier element resulting in a wine that is pure pleasure. Already broachable but clearly set for the long term. (JR)
About the producer
The Kirk family’s winery was one of the first to put Murrumbateman Shiraz on the fine wine map. Founded in 1971, Clonakilla pioneered this cool-climate region and today the estate produces some of the finest Shiraz in Australia and the world, inspired by the styles of the Northern Rhône.