Clonakilla 2024 Shiraz Viognier

 

You'll need to get a wriggle on if you want to secure some bottles of the new release of this cult favourite - available from Thursday. A wine of impressive energy and flow, it is high on quality with deep, dark spice notes to the fore, but volumes are low after a difficult year marked by severe frosts. From Murrumbateman, outside Canberra, this cool-climate classic offers harmonious fruit/spice notes and fabulous length. "It is undoubtedly one of the great SV vintages for us, but one made in more limited quantities than usual," the Kirk family, which has been pioneering winemaking in the region since 1971, says. This is certainly worth a splurge - and a spell in the cellar for those who are so inclined. $130. https://clonakilla.com.au/

Clonakilla 2024 Hilltops Shiraz

 
Classy, medium-bodied red wine that is ready to enjoy in its youth and is lip-smackingly food friendly? That's a big tick. When the wine comes from one of the country's best family producers and costs well under $40 then you are onto a good thing. While Clonakilla is based at Murrumbateman, outside Canberra, Tim Kirk and his team also source some excellent fruit from several vineyards in the Hilltops district around Young. Open fermented with regular pump overs, this spent 12 months in mainly older oak to add texture and palate structure. It has aromatics and impressively ripe - but not too ripe - dark fruit flavours and savoury notes. Drink now, or cellar. Your choice. Excellent buying for Christmas enjoyment. $35. https://clonakilla.com.au/

Clonakilla 2025 Viognier Nouveau

Here they come: just a few weeks after vintage the first wines from the 2025 season are hitting the market. Clonakilla, based at Murrumbateman, outside Canberra, is best known for its benchmark Shiraz Viognier blend, where a small portion of the viognier grape softens shiraz. Here the Rhone white variety stands alone, fermented cold and released young; strutting its stuff as a fresh, vibrant and flavoursome wine for immediate enjoyment. Think stone fruit, minerality and bright acid. Pair with vegetarian or poultry dishes. $35. www.clonakilla.com.au.