Clonakilla Shiraz/Viognier 2015

This is a rare beauty: a syrah-based wine that delivers power in such an elegant way. 2015 is a really impressive vintage for Clonakilla across the board and this, the flagship wine, is every bit as great as it should be. The aromatic spectrum is vast, from fine musky florals to white pepper and almost every imaginable spice. Then an incredibly exuberant explosion of boysenberries, raspberries and cherries of every shade takes center stage as well as red to blue to purple plums. It is full of life. The palate has an incredibly deep draw. There's a total saturation of ripe red-cherry, raspberry and red-plum flavors. Hints of chocolate and a dusting of white pepper. The tannins radiate light and energy, and this is bright from start to finish. Perfectly ripe, seamlessly balanced and actually very approachable. Drink it now, but there's plenty to come in time. This will be best from 2022. Score - 99. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Jan. 11, 2017)