2006 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 750ml

Overview

The 2006 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is a prestigious Australian red wine from Clonakilla's Murrumbateman vineyard in the Canberra District, New South Wales. Blending 94% Shiraz with 6% co-fermented Viognier, this 750ml release combines rich dark berry fruit, aromatic spice and savoury complexity with remarkable elegance and persistence. Awarded 97 points by The Wine Advocate, this acclaimed cool-climate Shiraz Viognier demonstrates exceptional balance, maturity and ageing potential.

Awards & Critic Reviews

Best First Class Red — 2011 Cellars in the Sky International Airline Competition

97/100 — Erin Larkin, Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
“This 2006 Shiraz Viognier is fresh, restrained and oh-so-composed.”
Tasted November 2022

95/100 — Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
“It's steely in its structure, smoky and floral and blessed with a gorgeous mix of red and dark fruits.”
Reviewed July 2007

James Suckling
“A super youthful and modern looking wine that shows an extra level of polish, ripeness and depth”
Tasted April 2016

Vintage & Winemaking

Excellent winter and spring rainfall provided favourable growing conditions for the 2006 vintage, resulting in a slightly larger than average crop. Harvest commenced on 27 March and continued until 15 April, with total maceration periods extending to almost three weeks.

The blend comprises 94% Shiraz and 6% co-fermented Viognier. The wine matured for 12 months in oak, including 32% new barrels from selected coopers such as Sirugue, François Frères, Taransaud and Mercurey. It was racked aeratively twice during maturation, then blended within individual vineyard batches before returning to barrel.

About the Producer

Clonakilla was established in 1971 by Dr John Kirk at Murrumbateman, near Canberra. The family-owned estate has become one of Australia's most celebrated cool-climate wineries, renowned for its pioneering approach to Shiraz Viognier.

Inspired by the great wines of France's Côte-Rôtie, winemaker Tim Kirk introduced Shiraz and Viognier co-fermentation in the early 1990s. Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier has since become a benchmark Australian wine, recognised for its aromatic complexity, refined structure and distinctive vineyard character.

Specifications