2023 Shiraz Viognier

Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier
Collection: Estate
Vintage: 2023
GI: Canberra District
Vineyard source: Estate
Harvest date: Late April
Processing: Processed to 15% whole bunch, the rest whole berry in 10hl fermenters with indigenous yeast and bacteria biom. 3-6 weeks on skins. Pressed to new and used 228l French coopered barriques for one year then transferred to 27hl foudre for second year
Élevage: 2 years
Vessels: Francois Frere Foudre
Vintage conditions: 2023
Another cool year, very wet early that kept us on our toes in the vineyard. Was a year for patience, faith and gumboots.
Bottling date: May 2025
Production: 700 dozen
Cellaring: 10 years plus
Something interesting: The small percentage of viognier is added to change the palate rather than aromas. Viognier is thick skinned and has a different phenolic make up to Shiraz. The two work together to create the unique silky texture
Drink with: Lamb heavily flavoured with middle-eastern spices and herbs.

"Medium purple-ruby in appearance, with white pepper spice on the nose for days... Fruit too: red cherry, redcurrant, blueberry, violet florals, herbal notes, hints of menthol. It's medium-bodied in a classical cool-climate way, with juicy weight and grip and a juniper spice thread. Layers and layers of texture and interest. It's light on its feet and an excellent choice for the Australian summer " 95 Points, The Real Review 16 Nov 2025
2025–2033

"The 2023 Shiraz Viognier is a distinct wine here. One really gets the sense of the Viognier, being floral and wet, green and verdant, as an aromatic overlay to the Shiraz fruit. The palate reveals finely wrought tannins and pure acidity—a significant part of the show. The shaley minerality is very attractive, and the wine overall feels herbal and fine, with lemon myrtle and raspberry leaf, white strawberry and apple. It matured in French oak, both barrique and 27-hectoliter foudre. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate Dec 2025 92 points