One of Australia’s great red wines, Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier has never been about overt power, but more about fragrance, poise and elegance. And this 2022 expression is true to that. It has red berried fruit, violet and pink peppercorn aromatics, with gentle earthy, woody tones. In the palate, flavours of clove, licorice and spices are even more lifted. It’s remarkably layered and balanced, with very fine, silky tannin and freshness that will ensure its ageability. 

Tim Kirk of Clonakilla returned from visiting Côte Rôtie in France’s Rhône Valley in the 1990s, inspired by the region's co-fermentation of small amounts of Viognier with the Syrah. Initially he experimented with this, and it’s now an annual and harmonious part of this great wine. 

When John and Julia Kirk moved from County Clare, Ireland to Australia, they were told that Canberra was too cold to grow grapes. Unconvinced of this advice they planted their first vines in 1971. Their estate is now one of Australia’s most celebrated. With their son Tim at the helm, there’s a continued commitment to excellence in the production of cool climate Shiraz, Viognier and Riesling among others.