Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2022

98 points. "There is at once a distinguished calm on display here that sings to the anthem of an effortless, extended, cool ripening season, and at the same time a rising crescendo of flamboyant spice, white pepper, pot pourri and florals. Monumental gravitas is declared in granitic tannins of super-fine texture, enlivened by the fantastic tension of cool-season acidity, together promising a lifespan at the outer realms of Clonakilla potential. A towering monument to shiraz viognier.A benchmark. A revelation."  Tyson Stelzer

97+ points.  "The 2022 Shiraz Viognier is sensational, but that assessment isn't breaking any ground. It includes 5% Viognier co-fermented and had 20% to 35% whole bunches in the ferment. Lacy, ethereal and structural, this is equal part Boscobel rose (which, to me, smells of raspberry leaf tea and rose essence) and roasted meat juices. It is sweet and savory, spicy and svelte and peppered by layers of pastrami and roast beetroot. There are notes of earth, licorice, black tea, jasmine flowers in summer and lashings of dried exotic spices. This is affirming and good, so good. Drink it now for Pinot-esque pleasure or in 15-20 years for elegant, meaty, ethereal, fresh, complex, layered excitement. All good either way. This is one of my favorite Australian Shirazes."  Erin Larkin.  The Wine Advocate

97 points.  "The new-release 2022 is one of the finest over the 30-year period. From a cool vintage in a cool region this is intense, spicy, beautifully balanced at just 13% alcohol. Complex, pretty and completely satisfying. Think a professional dancer: core strength but lightness of foot. $120 - and worth it. Perhaps a Father's Day gift."  Windsor Dobbin

97 points.  "Medium depth red-purple colour with a complex and lifted floral/pepper/mixed spice, graphite and violet bouquet, a trace of blueberry too, the palate intense and medium bodied, with ample fine-grained tannins and appealing balance. Seamless, harmonious wine with a lingering farewell. A wine of purity and unalloyed beauty." Huon Hooke.  The Real Review

"This is an Australian classic, a Rhone style developed and perfected by the Kirk family, who last year celebrated 50 years of winemaking at Murrumbateman, outside Canberra. Winsor Dobbin.