2008 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 750ml

Overview

The 2008 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is an acclaimed Australian red wine from Clonakilla's estate vineyard in Murrumbateman, Canberra District, New South Wales. Blending 94% Shiraz with 6% co-fermented Viognier, this 750ml release combines concentrated dark berry fruit, exotic spice and floral complexity with refined tannins and remarkable balance. Awarded 97 points by Jeremy Oliver and 96 points by The Wine Advocate, this mature cool-climate Shiraz Viognier exemplifies Clonakilla's celebrated approach to elegant, structured Australian red wine.

Awards & Critic Reviews

The Year's Best Shiraz — Huon Hooke
Recognition recorded by Clonakilla.

97/100 — Jeremy Oliver
“Building towards a crescendo of richness and strength, this is a stellar wine of rare balance, poise and elegance.”
Tasted January 2009

96/100 — Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
“Medium to full-bodied, this more structured style has medium-firm, grainy tannins, vibrant acid and a long, concentrated finish.”
Tasted June 2014

96/100 — Jamie Goode

95/100 — The Wine Front

James Suckling
“Super-complex and meaty this time around. The flagship Clonakilla shiraz viognier has abundant sweet musky aromas, deli meats, light summer berries and Marco Polo tea aromas”
Tasted April 2016

Vintage & Winemaking

The 2008 growing season began with a cool February followed by a very warm March, with numerous days reaching 35°C. Following the difficult 2007 vintage, the vines produced generous crops of beautifully ripe fruit. Estate Shiraz was harvested between 17 and 31 March.

The blend comprises 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier, with 20% whole bunches included in the fermentation. A three-day cool pre-fermentation maceration preceded predominantly uninoculated fermentations, with temperatures reaching approximately 33°C.

The wine matured for 12 months in oak, including 30% new barrels, with François Frères, Sirugue, Taransaud and Mercurey among the preferred coopers.

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 respected cool-climate wine producers, particularly renowned for its Shiraz Viognier.

Inspired by the wines of France's Côte-Rôtie, Tim Kirk pioneered Shiraz and Viognier co-fermentation at Clonakilla in 1992. The resulting Shiraz Viognier has become a benchmark Australian red wine, celebrated for its aromatic complexity, elegant structure and distinctive expression of the Canberra District.

Specifications