Winemaking and Drinking
The 2019 Churchview Limited Release St John's Shiraz Viognier is a striking wine that represents not only the unique essence of its terroir but also the noble tradition of blending two varietals to enhance aromatics, texture, and structure. Crafted with intention and patience, this vintage stands proudly as an expressive and richly layered wine.
Origins & Vineyard Background
Churchview is a boutique wine estate founded by a family passionate about old-world European varietals in a new world setting. Situated on undulating slopes with well drained, iron rich clay loam soils, the vineyard receives abundant sunlight tempered by mild coastal winds. The 2019 season was marked by a balanced spring and mild summer, complemented by cool nights that preserved acidity and aromatic freshness.
Plantings of Shiraz dominate the block, while Viognier, comprising approximately 5–7% of the blend, is interplanted to uplift the nose and add silkiness to the palate. The vineyard emphasises meticulous fruit selection: hand harvested, cold soaked before gentle fermentation in small oak open top fermenters, and matured partly in seasoned French oak to marry structure with fruit purity.
Tasting Profile
In the glass, the 2019 Churchview Shiraz Viognier is deep ruby with a hint of purple at the rim. The bouquet is intoxicating: dark berries such as blackberry and black cherry merge with floral violet and subtle white peach from the Viognier component. Earthy notes of crushed spice, milk chocolate, and a whisper of leather emerge with gentle aeration.
The palate is generous and structured ripe fruit flavors give way to blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of star anise spice. The Viognier brings a slippery texture and softens tannins, resulting in a plush mid-palate. Acidity remains vibrant, guiding the wine to a lingering finish alive with spicy, peppery length and a mineral undertone. Balance, layering, depth, and poise define its character ideal for both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring.
Awards & Recognition
While not chasing fame, the Churchview estate quietly submitted the 2019 Shiraz Viognier to several prestigious wine competitions. Within its first year post-release, the wine garnered:
- A Gold Medal at a regional boutique‑wine showcase, praised for its floral lift and textural elegance.
- A Silver trophy in a national Shiraz-focused tasting, noted for its purity of fruit and refined structure.
- Recognition among top-tier blends in a respected critic’s annual round-up, highlighted for combining “depth, precision, and aromatic complexity” in a modest-production wine.
Churchview’s 2019 Shiraz Viognier may not yet enjoy widespread renown, but among collectors and winemaking circles it’s considered an exemplar of what small-lot, site-driven wine can achieve—especially when an inspired varietal marriage of Shiraz and Viognier is handled with subtlety and finesse.
This wine bridges tradition and modernity: a Shiraz Viognier that honors classic Rhône style blending while reflecting its New World origin. From vineyard tending through to careful fermentation and ageing, the 2019 vintage stands as a testament to restraint, balance, and aromatic clarity. Whether poured now or cellared a few years, it promises compelling evolution and enduring pleasure.
| Wine Type | Red wine |
| Producer | Churchview Estate |
| State | Western Australia |
| Region | Margaret River |
| Variety | Shiraz Viognier |
| Year | 2019 |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Alcohol | 14% |
