Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2024
- 97
- $130
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Enchanting aromatics unfold in the glass to reveal a wine of immense complexity and grace. Whole-bunch-derived green bean tones are quick to melt into an array of spices — black pepper, star anise, dried bay leaf, green peppercorn, clove — while elegant fruit lingers beneath in the form of blackberry and black cherry. Whispers of black olive in brine, and an emerging sweep of dried violet whose florality lifts with time in the glass, bringing pretty tones into an otherwise dark-fruited and spice-led perfume. The palate has a cool, mineral feel with svel?ness and elegance throughout: blueberry, steminess, olive tapenade, black cherry, black pepper. It glides through the mouth with effortless lift and anchoring intensity. The tannins are fine and integrated but firm in their framing, while ribbons of cool acidity help pull this to seemingly endless length. Olive tapenade and exotic spice permeate the mouth perfume. The detail, the elegance, the intensity, the length — this is a wine of class and quiet confidence. The term ‘national treasure’ came to mind. Outstanding.
Tom Kline is a wine writer, reviewer, presenter, and educator based in Victoria, Australia. He is the Australian correspondent for the internationally respected publications Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy and Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux, where he highlights the top tier of Australian wine for a global audience. Tom also writes for leading outlets including Decanter (UK), Wine Spectator (US), and Halliday Magazine, among others. An experienced wine show judge and WSET educator, he has authored several consumer-focused wine courses aimed at making wine more accessible and engaging. In 2023, Tom was awarded Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column at the prestigious Wine Communicator Awards, presented by Wine Communicators of Australia.
