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Winemaker Tim Kirk's ethereal and evocative Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is perhaps one of the most important advances in the development of Australian Shiraz since the release of 1952 Penfolds Grange Hermitage. The fruit is sourced from two adjacent estate-owned vineyards. The original vineyard has south-east and south-west aspects whereas T and L Block faces north-east. Lying at 600 meters above sea level, the soils are granitic with sandy brown and red loams over friable clay. Traditional 'Burgundian' winemaking techniques are employed "to highlight the inherent flavours in the fruit". The aim is "to produce wines with natural balance and roundness". Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is medium to full-bodied with highly aromatic ginger, white pepper, apricot fruit, underlying savoury French oak and fine slinky dry tannins. The Viognier component melts into the Shiraz and is rarely more than a "subliminal influence". The style captures the essence of contemporary winemaking philosophy and regional expression.

Immerse yourself in the celestial elegance of Clarendon Hills Astralis Shiraz 2013, a 750mL masterpiece from McLaren Vale’s premier single vineyard. Sourced from 35 to 70-year-old dry-grown vines on clay, ironstone, and gravelly soils, this wine captures the essence of its terroir with minimal intervention. Fermented with wild yeasts and matured for 18 months in 100% new French oak barriques, the 2013 vintage reveals a deep garnet hue. Its complex nose offers exotic spices, graphite, dark plums, black tea, iodine, white pepper, and a touch of redder plum. The palate is strikingly concentrated, with rich red plums and blackberries, framed by super-fine, long tannins that promise decades of evolution. Rated 95 points by James Suckling for its powerful yet youthful profile, this Astralis is a collector’s treasure, ideal for pairing with beef or venison, and a testament to Australian winemaking at its finest.