2022 Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier

Take an ex-Clonakilla winemaker with a curious nature who edged out on his own to make wines that are not just cerebral but effortlessly drinkable - the result is Bryan Martin's Ravensworth.

Ravensworth started in 2001, just down the road from Clonakila in Murrambateman (part of the Canberra District). The home property comprises the varieties that shine in the region, namely Riesling and Shiraz, although since the beginning, Ravensworth has also made a benchmark Sangiovese.

“The Ravensworth style has a lot in common with Clonakilla – the wines are aromatic, light- to medium-bodied, soft of tannin and modest in alcohol. They are beautiful, seductive wines that emphasise fragrance and texture."
Huon Hooke, Gourmet Traveller

As Huon noted, winemaker Bryan Martin cut his teeth at Clonakilla, where he was assistant winemaker for many years. This experience has allowed him to constantly evolve the style of Shiraz Viognier, which made Canberra famous. The Ravensworth take on the classic Rhone-inspired blend sees 3% viognier co-fermented with Shiraz to lend that distinctive floral and spice nose that is so alluring. The wine is all about fragrance, texture, and concentration. It is a textbook example of the blend.