TN: Clonakilla 2003 Shiraz Viognier

David Lole · Post by **David Lole** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 8:58 pm

14.0% A/V

N.B. Bottle opened lunchtime Friday. Pre-release sample from Tim Kirk.

Vibrant deep ruby with a crimsom edge. Gorgeous perfumed, floral nose redolent of spicy black cherries and bloodplums enhanced by perfectly-judged spicy, savoury French oak with undertones of tar, blackberry and a hint of black pepper. Verging on "as good as it gets". Revealing a totally seductive texture, the medium-bodied palate brims with sweet black fruits, positive (but subservient) savoury oak, low acidity and an ultra-fine tannin regime that, with time, asserts itself with great authority throughout a finish of some aplomb. A veritable thoroughbred with excellent potential to blossom over the next decade. Outstanding winemaking, Outstanding wine. The Kirk family deserve all the accolades and rewards that come their way. Suggest you place your order for this small parcel of liquid gold before it all gets snapped up.

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 10:05 pm

Thanks David.

Any ideas as to when the newsletter due?

The decade of improvement you mentioned. How does this compare to previous Clonakilla SV's? Reference longevity.

Clonakilla SV becoming one of those mid-year must buys.

David Lole · Post by **David Lole** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 10:21 pm

Sorry, Jamie, got NFI on both your questions. Suggest you ring Tim on 0262-275877 for the newsletter availability. I have very limited personal knowledge of previous vintages, although have read many a good report on the 2001 and 2002. The 2003's a mighty fine wine.

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Sun Jun 27, 2004 12:27 pm

Cheers David

World class wine at world class value-IMHO. And one of the few shiraz-viognier blends I enjoy from Australia-ripe, warm climate shiraz and viognier just hasn't cut it with me yet.

Comparisons to the quality and cost of Cote Roties drawing a long bow to some. But I find it hard not to do so; not only justifying the price of Clonakilla SV presently, but continued price hikes if vintage quality continues.

I noted one of my favourite budget Cote Roties-Ogier's 2001-retailing for $110 in Australia recently. It sells for 30 euros in France-without the burden of WET & GST.

Re-reading my ramblings, I think I am mentally rehearsing the explaination to the wife, when the wine budget blows out again!

David Lole · Post by **David Lole** » Sun Jun 27, 2004 12:48 pm

JamieBahrain wrote:Cheers David

World class wine at world class value-IMHO. And one of the few shiraz-viognier blends I enjoy from Australia-ripe, warm climate shiraz and viognier just hasn't cut it with me yet. - agree

Comparisons to the quality and cost of Cote Roties drawing a long bow to some. But I find it hard not to do so; not only justifying the price of Clonakilla SV presently, but continued price hikes if vintage quality continues. - you'll pay a lot more on the secondary market, as a rule, for Clonakilla SV than at cellar door

I noted one of my favourite budget Cote Roties-Ogier's 2001-retailing for $110 in Australia recently. It sells for 30 euros in France-without the burden of WET & GST. -this has gone through the roof

Re-reading my ramblings, I think I am mentally rehearsing the explaination to the wife, when the wine budget blows out again! -good luck!

Adair · Post by **Adair** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 1:29 pm

JamieBahrain wrote:Thanks David.

Any ideas as to when the newsletter due?

The decade of improvement you mentioned. How does this compare to previous Clonakilla SV's? Reference longevity.

Clonakilla SV becoming one of those mid-year must buys.

Newsletter for the Clonakilla SV comes out around September/October.

As a rule of thumb, the Clonakilla SV is good drinking in its first year of release, or in its first 2 years since vintage, then it closes down for 3 to 5 years.

Kind regards,
Adair

Neville K · Post by **Neville K** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 3:42 pm

David,

Beautifully written: a joy to read.

I hope the wine is faithful to your description as there would be strong argument that Clonakilla SV is a cool climate contender to Australia's foremost shiraz/Rhone style.

Neville K

Neville K · Post by **Neville K** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 3:43 pm

David

Did not intend multiple messages.
Error came up several times, after which I stopped trying. Obviously it went through. Glitch in the system? Also cannot delete whole message.

Neville K · Post by **Neville K** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 3:44 pm

Delete
"Error message" when first submitted

Neville K · Post by **Neville K** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 3:44 pm

delete

"Error message" when submitted

David Lole · Post by **David Lole** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 7:06 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed reading it, Neville, for I enjoyed drinking it. Best SV I've tried from these shores, although the best French would win hands down, it must said. But then how much does one pay these days for Guigal's la la's, Chapoutier's top vineyard (can't remember the name), Jamet, Ogier and the like. Thus conscientious Australian producers like Clonakilla have a great opportunity to develop their own niche with this blend/style and compete successfully with the French on the world stage offering a sumptious, top quality red at most attractive prices.

P.S. I did get the gist of your post, the first time! :wink:

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 01, 2004 1:26 am

Gday David.

Chapoutier's top Cote Rotie the "La Mordoree". I had the 01 in January whilst holidaying in Condrieu-at a $180 a bottle from cellar door I felt a little robbed. Ogiers better value at around $50 Aussie ( 3 bottle limit. Charming father /son team with Rockford's like affinity toward their customers ).

Some Yanks at the Marche Aux Vin mentioned Ogiers sells out before it arrives in the states- at a ridiculous price.

The Auswine Forum

TN: Clonakilla 2003 Shiraz Viognier

TN: Clonakilla 2003 Shiraz Viognier

Clonakilla SV Tasting Note

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