Clonakilla Shiraz/Viognier 2005 Canberra, Australia

Red/purple.

Great, lifted, white pepper aromatics from the start, with juniper, black fruit and suave oak toast underneath.

Round, seamless stuff initially, then seemingly high acidity kicks in to brighten white pepper/juniper flavors. But it also gives a dis-jointed palate feel. A middle-weight, tightly-strung feel in the mouth. Deceptively long and bright. About as far from stereotypical Aussie Shiraz as you can get.

93% Shiraz, 7% Viognier. For some reason (probably the wild, lifted pepper character), I always assumed this was from Western Australia. Not so - Canberra is just a bit south of the Hunter Valley.

This vintage closed with an agglomerated "Diam" cork. Very interesting.

Day 5 - Deeper, meatier (not brett) nose, but still has a core of pepper/juniper. More flesh, "give", in the mouth too. Still vibrant flavors of citrus/pepper/juniper. Still acid-driven. Very interesting.

$50