Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2001

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier Reserve 2001

A timeless icon of elegance, balance and aromatic depth

The Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier Reserve 2001 is one of Australia’s most legendary wines. Crafted in an exceptional vintage, it showcases the hallmark finesse and floral-spiced complexity that defines Clonakilla’s Rhône-inspired style. A true collector’s gem with decades of aging potential.

Style and Philosophy

A masterful blend of Shiraz and Viognier

This wine is the purest expression of Clonakilla’s vision: a co-fermented blend of Shiraz and a touch of Viognier, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in French oak. It delivers a vibrant fusion of perfume, precision and silkiness, offering structure and grace in equal measure.

The 2001 Vintage: balance and brilliance

The 2001 growing season in Murrumbateman offered optimal conditions—warm days, cool nights and minimal rain. The result? Grapes with perfect phenolic ripeness, vibrant acidity and intense aromatic potential.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Deep ruby with garnet hues, showing refined evolution.

Nose

Highly expressive: violet, black pepper, incense, dried herbs, liquorice, ripe black fruits and hints of balsamic complexity.

Palate

Elegant yet powerful. Silky tannins, vibrant acidity, medium-full body and a long, spicy finish. A wine with incredible balance and long aging ability.

Recommended Pairings

• Roast duck or game meats

• Slow-braised beef or lamb

• Hard aged cheeses (e.g., Comté, Manchego)

• Spiced Asian dishes (e.g., lamb curry, hoisin-glazed pork)

Technical Sheet

• Wine: Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier Reserve

• Vintage: 2001

• Producer: Clonakilla Wines

• Region: Murrumbateman, Canberra District, Australia

• Grapes: 94% Shiraz, 6% Viognier

• Fermentation: Co-fermented in open fermenters with native yeasts

• Aging: 12 months in French oak (partly new)

• Alcohol: 13.5%

• Bottle size: 750 ml

• Cellaring potential: 20+ years

• Production: Limited release, numbered bottles

Conclusion

The 2001 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier Reserve is a landmark wine, combining Australian terroir with Old World elegance. Complex, floral, spicy and structured, it is a testament to Clonakilla’s visionary winemaking. A must for collectors and fine wine lovers alike

See all products of Clonakilla

Clonakilla: Australian Elegance Inspired by the Rhône

Founded in the early 1970s, Clonakilla is a benchmark winery in Australia, renowned for producing Syrah (Shiraz) with a European soul, particularly inspired by Côte-Rôtie. Located in Murrumbateman, Canberra District, Clonakilla stands for refinement, balance, and artisanal innovation.

A Story of Family and Vision

From Ireland to Australia: the birth of a legend

The name “Clonakilla” means “meadow of the church” in Irish Gaelic, a tribute to founder Dr. John Kirk’s heritage. In 1971, he planted the first vines in Murrumbateman, a then-unproven region for viticulture, pioneering what would become one of Australia’s great wine stories.

Philosophy and Viticulture

Terroir-driven wines, made with integrity

Clonakilla follows a sustainable, minimal-intervention approach, capitalizing on Canberra’s cool climate and granite soils. Native fermentations, French oak aging, and the signature co-fermentation of Syrah with Viognier define the winery’s style.

Signature Wines

Shiraz Viognier: A Modern Australian Icon

Clonakilla’s flagship wine, Shiraz Viognier, is a Rhône-style blend admired worldwide for its elegance, spice, floral lift, and aging potential. It is consistently rated among Australia’s finest red wines by critics like James Halliday and Robert Parker.

Other key labels:

• Hilltops Shiraz – fuller-bodied, from Young region vineyards

• O’Riada Shiraz – structured yet approachable

• Viognier – floral, silky, and pure

• Riesling – dry, mineral, and cellar-worthy

Reputation and Accolades

Clonakilla has become a cult favorite among collectors and sommeliers. With small-scale production, meticulous craft, and a consistent standard of excellence, it is now regarded as one of Australia’s top boutique wineries.

Visiting the Estate

Clonakilla’s cellar door in Murrumbateman is open to visitors, offering guided tastings, vineyard views, and stories from the Kirk family, adding depth to the wines tasted.

Conclusion

Clonakilla is a harmonious marriage of Australian terroir and Old World finesse. Its wines deliver pure, expressive experiences that captivate wine lovers who seek elegance, longevity, and character in every bottle.