2018 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier

Includes 28% whole bunches and 6% co-fermented Viognier. Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark purple red hue. Perfumed aromatics of violets, dark plum and liquorice mingle with hints of clove, traces of honeysuckle, scorched earth and pepper. Medium bodied with a supple feel across the mid palate, spicy dark plum and liquorice fruits show great refinement over more subtle elements of vanillin cedar, an earthy meatiness, smoky clove and pepper. Slightly rustic tannins provide structure and tension along with fresh acidity. Concludes long and elegant.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews....
Incredibly complex aromas of baking spices, fresh red fruit and a fine and elegant, floral edge, as well as red cherries, raspberries and red plums. This is phenomenal, so precise and concentrated with such detail and power, delivered with elegance and precision. The palate is super long. The best vintage made at Clonakilla to date! Perfection! Drink now, but better from 2026.
99 points
Nick Stock - JamesSuckling.com (May 2019)

Australia’s best shiraz isn’t Australia’s best shiraz in every year, though Clonakilla comes close. This 2018 may well be the best shiraz released in Australia this year.
It’s a superb release. Just look at the tannin profile and then put down your glasses. Black berried fruit, a suggestion of meatiness, whispers of woodsy spice notes, a certain creaminess, a quick shake of pepper, a touch of volatility. Nothing protrudes; it’s the definition of seamless. The screw of tannin, so often left to last, begins almost at the start. We are looking at an ultra long term wine here, deserving of prime space in the best of cellars.
96 points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (June 2019)