Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2006

Kilikanoon was founded in 1997 by winemaker and proprietor Kevin Mitchell. The Oracle Shiraz is the flagship wine of Kilikanoon. Old vine Clare Valley Shiraz from the best four vineyard parcels from vines planted by Kevin Mitchell‘s father Mort in the 60s and 70s. Matured for 24 months in French oak

"This opened up beautifully over the course of a few hours. It’s warm and intense but structured and long. It’s plummy and blackberried, chocolatey and minorly spicy. There’s a small amount of gumleaf but its rich, oozing, plum-shot heart is the dominant feature. Soft folds of tannin assert their control on the finish. Beautiful wine in its style."  Campbell Mattinson

"Intense, inky/crimson red with distinct youthful, purple hues. On the nose, lifted sweet plum and berry fruits. Hints of coffee, chocolate and menthol integrate and complex well with the spicy French oak. The palate is richly textured and flavored, initial sweet plum and berry fruits integrated with the firm tannins and a smooth, alcohol finish. The palates natural acidity and subtle oak characters provide length, complexity and persistence. Cellaring potential of at least 12–15 years."  Kilikanoon

Expert reviews

"The 2006 Oracle Shiraz spent 22 months in French oak, 50% new. Opaque purple-colored, it exhibits a captivating nose of toasty oak, truffle, mineral, violets, black pepper, blueberry compote, and blackberry. Glossy on the palate with superb depth, it exhibits gobs of savory blue and black fruits, hints of chocolate, and enough ripe tannin to evolve for 4-6 years. Drink this explosive effort from 2013 to 2026."  Jay S Miller, Robert Parker Wine Advocate - 95 points 

"This opened up beautifully over the course of a few hours. It’s warm and intense but structured and long. It’s plummy and blackberried, chocolatey and minorly spicy. There’s a small amount of gumleaf but its rich, oozing, plum-shot heart is the dominant feature. Hay-like, toasty oak makes a welcome, positive appearance and so too does tarry heat. Soft folds of tannin assert their control on the finish. Beautiful wine in its style. Drink: 2012 - 2020."  Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 94 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.