Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier 2013 Front Bottle Shot
Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier 2013 Front Bottle Shot Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier 2013 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is medium to full-bodied with highly aromatic ginger/ white pepper/ apricot fruit, underlying savory French oak and fine slinky dry tannins. The Viognier component melts into the Shiraz and is rarely more than a "subliminal influence". The style captures the essence of contemporary winemaking philosophy and regional expression.

Professional Ratings

  • 94

    The 2013 Shiraz Viognier is a savory, subdued wine that is possessed of the most awesome tannic structure of the lot. Perhaps it is because the fruit feels more pared-back here than in the other vintages tasted alongside (2006, 2009, 2015, 2019 and 2021), but the glorious, textbook year that morphed into an even, warm late summer and an early autumn has imbued the wine with a sense of quiet and calm. This is from a larger-than-average crop of beautifully ripe fruit, coming off the back of three lean years. With 23% whole bunches in the ferment and the typical 5% Viognier inclusion, this is sleeping currently wonderful and poised, but sleeping. Patience is recommended. Best after 2024.

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With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.

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A large, climatically diverse country with incredibly diverse terrain, producing just about every wine style imaginable, Australia has a grand winemaking history and some of the oldest vines on the planet. Both red wine and white wine from Australian are wildly popular and beloved. Most of Australia's wine regions are concentrated in the south of the country with those inland experiencing warm, dry conditions and those in coastal areas receiving tropical, maritime or Mediterranean weather patterns. Australia has for several decades been at the forefront of winemaking technology and has widely adopted the use of screwcaps, even for some premium and ultra-premium bottles. Thanks to the country’s relatively agreeable climate throughout and the openness of its people, experimentation is common and ongoing.

Shiraz is indeed Australia’s most celebrated and widely planted variety; Barossa Valley leads the way, producing exceptionally bold and supple versions. Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia's second most planted variety, can be blended with Shiraz but also shines on its own particularly in Coonawarra and Margaret River. Grenache and Mourvèdre are also popular, both on their own and alongside Shiraz in Rhône Blends. Chardonnay is common throughout the country and made in a wide range of styles. Sauvignon Blanc has recently surged in popularity to compete with New Zealand’s distinctive version and Semillon is often blended in Margaret River or shines on its own in the Hunter Valley. Riesling thrives in the cool-climate Clare and Eden Valleys. Sticky-sweet fortified wine Rutherglen is a beloved regional specialty of Victoria.

BTO714139_2013 Item# 714139