Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2005
Style: Red Wine
Variety: Shiraz
Closure: Cork
Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2005
Camberwell
Burke Road
Camberwell VIC 3124
Australia
Producer: Kilikanoon
Country: Australia
Region: Clare Valley
Vintage: 2005
Critic Score: 94
Alcohol: 15.0%
Size: 750 ml
Drink by: 2025
Kilikanoon was founded in 1997 by winemaker and proprietor Kevin Mitchell. The Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz is a classic example of Clare Valley Shiraz, selecting the very best fruit that represents the regions elevated distinctiveness and regional signature. It showcases the benefits of multi-site blending across the Clare Valley.
"Rich and luscious, as much Barossa in style as Clare Valley, the fruit flavours almost juicy; controlled oak and fine tannins." James Halliday
Expert reviews
"Rich and luscious, as much Barossa in style as Clare Valley, the fruit flavours almost juicy; controlled oak and fine tannins. Drink by 2025." James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion - 94 points
"Soft as suede. As saturated in colour and flavour as ink. Masses of plums, blueberries, mint, creamy vanilla, brandy and caramel. Warm to hot on the finish, but the seduction is well complete by then. Not complex, but voluptuous." Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 93 points
"Like all of winemaker Kevin Mitchell's Shirazes, this is full-bodied and lushly textured. The point of difference here is the fruit character, which leans toward black olives and espresso, with just enough stewed fruit to provide cushioning. Finishes long and velvety, hinting at vanilla." Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast - 92 points
About the winery
Winemaker and proprietor Kevin Mitchell
Kilikanoon was founded in 1997 when winemaker and proprietor Kevin Mitchell purchased the property of the same name in the hamlet of Penwortham in the Clare Valley. Hailing from a long line of wine grape growers, Kevin now had the opportunity to turn the vision of creating his own wine brand into a reality.
Kevin's father, Mort Mitchell, has been a defining influence, planting and tending to Kilikanoon's Golden Hillside suite of vineyards including the famed Mort's Block, for over 40 years. Kevin's fascination with terroir is a result of years spent playing and eventually working in these vineyards alongside his father.
The first Kilikanoon branded wines from the 1997 vintage were four single vineyard wines, each from Kevin and Mort's vineyards. These were the 'Oracle' Shiraz, 'Prodigal' Grenache, 'Blocks Road' Cabernet and 'Mort's Block' Watervale Riesling.
Kilikanoon's expansion has been made possible by invaluable partnerships, together with the acquisition of, and access to, outstanding vineyards in the most esteemed grape growing regions in South Australia, including the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. From humble beginnings with just 25,000 bottles produced from the first vintage, Kilikanoon has grown significantly, now exporting to over 25 countries.
Kilikanoon has been recognised both in Australia and internationally, receiving high praise from some of the world's most respected wine critics. The 2002 Clare Valley Wine Show chaired by prominent Australian wine writer and judge, Huon Hooke, propelled Kilikanoon into the spotlight, winning 6 of the 7 trophies awarded. Going from strength to strength, the Oracle Shiraz twice won 'Best Shiraz' at International wine shows and Halliday's Wine Companion named Kilikanoon 'Winery of the Year' in 2013. In 2014, Kevin Mitchell was inducted into the inaugural Clare Valley Hall of Fame as Winemaker of the Year.
South Australia
South Australian is responsible for more than half the production of all Australian wine. It is home to more than 900 wineries across 18 wine regions. The regions are Adelaide Hills, Adelaide Plains, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Currency Creek, Eden Valley, Kangaroo Island, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Mount Benson, Mount Gambier, Padthaway, Riverland, Robe, Southern Fleurieu, Southern Flinders Ranges and Wrattonbully.
Many of the well-known names in the South Australian wine industry established their first vineyards in the late 1830s and early 1840s. The first vines in McLaren Vale were planted at Reynella in 1839 and Penfold's established Magill Estate on the outskirts of Adelaide in 1844.
South Australia has a vast diversity in geography and climate which allows the State to be able to produce a range of grape varieties - from cool climate Riesling in the Clare and Eden Vallies to the big, full bodied Shiraz wines of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Two of Australia's best-known wines, Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace, are produced here. There is much to discover in South Australia for the wine lover.