2025 Clonakilla Viognier

Clonakilla has been growing Viognier since 1986, when John Kirk planted it at the estate long before the variety was fashionable in Australia. It's the same fruit that contributes to the iconic Shiraz Viognier, but the standalone bottling gives it a platform of its own.

2025 was a fine vintage in the Canberra region. Late spring rain filled the soil profile ahead of a warm, settled summer, and three parcels were harvested between late February and late March. A combination of destemmed and whole-bunch fruit, wild fermented in barrel, then an average of 10 months on lees in French oak demi-muids and puncheons.

Summer flowers, stone fruit and ginger on the nose. The palate is rich and textured, with the structure and depth to match Viognier's natural fragrance and keep it from feeling heavy.

The very top of the tree when it comes to Australian Viognier.

96 points
"Talk about having you at hello. This is a seriously good viognier. Texture, flavour, complexity; all are elite."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

95 points
"Mouth-filling, opulent and textured, with a core of stone fruit and tropical fruit flavours, all underpinned by some pithy and shapely acidity"
- Aaron Brasher (The Real Review)

95 points
"This is a cracking Viognier and will provide immense pleasure over the next eight years."
- Ken Gargett (Wine Pilot