Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2024

The nose is complex. The palate is powerful. The finish is both fine-grained and sustained. The hallmarks of Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier are in keen supply here though, that said, this release is some years from really strutting its stuff. The nose has a stone-like character to it, along with apricot kernel, mint, mineral and sweet berried fruit. The palate is another matter: the nose plays things cool, but the palate opens up and flexes its fruit. Cherry-plum, anise, soy, assorted florals and smoked meats, though the emphasis is on the abundance of summer berries. It all comes down, in a way, to how the wine touches the wall, and here is where this wine excels: at the exact right time the fingers of flavour show both intricacy and precision. We’re up at the high water mark again here with this 2024 release of Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier."  Rated : 96 Points.  Campbell Mattinson.  The Wine Front.