2009 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 1.5L Magnum

1.5L Magnum Bottle.

Overview

The 2009 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 1.5L Magnum is an exceptional Australian red wine from Clonakilla's estate vineyard in Murrumbateman, Canberra District, New South Wales. Combining Shiraz with 5% Viognier, this acclaimed cool-climate wine displays intense dark fruit, fragrant violets, summer berries and classic Canberra spice, supported by refined tannins and remarkable balance. Named Jeremy Oliver's 2011 Wine of the Year, this distinguished vintage is presented in a collectible 1.5L Magnum format, showcasing Clonakilla's signature elegance, concentration and longevity.

Awards & Critic Reviews

2011 Wine of the Year — Jeremy Oliver
Recognised by Jeremy Oliver as his Wine of the Year.

Producer Tasting Notes

Tim Kirk — Clonakilla

Aroma
A potent aroma of ripe fruit; dark, intense and very pure; violets and summer berries; roast meats and complex spice notes.

Palate
In the mouth there is loads of extract, black fruit, classic savoury spice and persistent, mouth-coating tannins. A warm-hearted, black diamond of a wine.

Vintage & Winemaking

The 2009 vintage was outstanding in the Canberra District. Following the generous 2008 season, the vines produced low to moderate yields, supported by good rainfall in spring and early summer. An exceptionally hot February was moderated by overnight temperature drops of 15–20°C, helping preserve natural acidity. Warm, settled conditions in March provided excellent ripening conditions for red varieties.

Shiraz Viognier parcels were harvested between 22 March and 7 April. The blend incorporates 5% Viognier and 22% whole bunches, contributing aromatic complexity and structure. The resulting wine combines concentrated fruit with finely integrated tannins and the distinctive savoury spice of Murrumbateman Shiraz.

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 introduced Shiraz and Viognier co-fermentation at Clonakilla in 1992. This pioneering approach helped establish Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier as a benchmark Australian red wine, celebrated for its aromatic precision, elegant structure and distinctive expression of the Canberra District.

Specifications