<p>Clonakilla is an Australian winery located in the Canberra wine region of Murrumbateman, New South Wales. The winery was founded by Dr. John Kirk AM, an Irish biochemist who immigrated to Australia from the United Kingdom in 1968 to work as a research scientist at the CSIRO. The first vintage from the region was produced in 1976, and Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier has since become one of the most iconic Australian wines. The Shiraz Viognier blend was first introduced by Clonakilla in 1992, inspired by Tim Kirk's visit to the Rhône Valley in France. The wine is a blend of Shiraz and Viognier grapes, with the Viognier adding a floral and aromatic complexity to the wine. Clonakilla's Shiraz Viognier has received numerous accolades, including being named Wine of the Year by James Halliday in 2010 and receiving a perfect score from Robert Parker in 2015. In addition to Shiraz Viognier, Clonakilla produces other red and white wines, including Riesling, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is known for its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices and has received numerous awards for its environmental stewardship. Clonakilla is a winery with a rich history and a reputation for producing some of the best wines in Australia.</p> <p>Clonakilla wines are known for their elegance, balance and complexity. The winery's signature Shiraz Viognier blend is a perfect example of this style, with the Shiraz providing structure and depth, while the Viognier adds a floral and aromatic complexity to the wine. Clonakilla's red wines are typically medium-bodied with a bright acidity and soft tannins. They are often described as being fruit-driven, with flavors of dark berries and plums, and a subtle spiciness. The winery's white wines, on the other hand, are crisp and refreshing with a mineral-driven character and flavors of citrus and stone fruit. Clonakilla wines are characterized by their balance and finesse. They are not overly alcoholic or extracted, and are made with a minimalist approach to winemaking. The winery's commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices also contributes to the unique style of their wines, which are often described as having a sense of place and terroir.</p> <p>The Shiraz Viognier blend is a classic wine style that originated in the Rhône Valley of France and has since become popular in other wine regions around the world, particularly in Australia. The blend typically consists of Shiraz (also known as Syrah) and Viognier grapes, with the Viognier usually making up a small percentage of the blend. The addition of Viognier to Shiraz can have a significant impact on the resulting wine. Viognier is a white grape variety that is known for its floral and aromatic qualities, and when blended with Shiraz, it can add a perfume-like aroma to the wine, as well as lift the color and enliven the flavors. The Viognier also contributes a silky texture to the wine and can help to balance the tannins in the Shiraz. In Australia, the Shiraz Viognier blend has become particularly popular, with many wineries producing their own versions of the wine. The style is particularly well-suited to the warm climate of many Australian wine regions, where Shiraz is a common grape variety.</p> <p>The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2012 is a beautifully crafted wine that perfectly captures the essence of the Canberra wine region. The fruit for this wine is sourced from two adjacent estate-owned vineyards, one with south-east and south-west aspects and the other facing north-east. The soils are granitic with sandy brown and red loams over friable clay, providing the perfect terroir for growing Shiraz and Viognier grapes. On the nose, this wine is highly aromatic, with notes of blackberry, blueberry and pepper. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, fruit cake and tobacco, as well as a subtle hint of French oak. The fine slinky dry tannins provide a beautiful structure to the wine and the Viognier component melts into the Shiraz, adding a touch of complexity. This wine is a perfect pairing for pork or red meat and would be a beautiful addition to any meal. After maturing for 5-10 years, the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2012 is now at its peak, with a perfect balance of fruit and tannins. The French oak adds a subtle savory note to the wine, and the finish is long and smooth.</p> <p><em>Has the best colour of the '12 Clonakilla red wines, hardly a surprise; the bouquet is supremely fragrant, almost flowery/scented, the palate instantaneously imprinting its total harmony and balance; fruit, oak and tannins are all seamlessly interwoven, the length prodigious. Low yields were the secret. - <strong>James Halliday, The Wine Companion, 97 Points</strong></em></p> <p><em>In some ways it’s perfect. Perfect, filigreed tannin. Perfect meaty style. Wonderful spicy aromatics. And terrific length. For overall style, deliciousness, and enjoyability it’s as good as any Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier release yet. It should also grow into itself beautifully; it has medium-weight cellarability tattooed all over it. Sleeves of black cherry and Asian spice, a torso of liquorice and smoky oak. There is though a lingering sense of diluteness about the wine; it’s perfectly ripe and masterfully drawn, but the flavours are in watercolours. This does not detract from the enjoyment a jot. - <strong>Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 94 Points</strong></em></p> <p><strong><em>The Finer Details</em></strong><br>Style - Red Wine<br>Varietal -  Shiraz Viognier<br>Country - Australia<br>Region - Murrumbateman, New South Wales<br>Vintage - 2012<br>Bottle Size - 750ml<br>ABV - 14.5%</p> <p> </p>