Kilikanoon Prodigal Grenache 2019

Kilikanoon was founded in 1997 by winemaker and proprietor Kevin Mitchell. First made back in 1997, Grenache has always been a major player in the Kilikanoon portfolio and the Prodigal continues to set the standard for Clare Valley old vine Grenache. Kilikanoon accounts for over 35% of the region’s production of this variety.

"An abundance of silky fresh fruits, displaying strawberry, raspberry coulis, caramel, spice and peppercorns, bound within fine tannins, before a long finale."  Decanter World Wine Awards

"Brick red in colour with youthful crimson hues. Lifted aromas of dark cherries, pot pourri, subtle smoky oak notes and marzipan feature strongly on the nose. A fresh and lively palate, yet dark and brooding at the same time, the combination of ripe cherries, dark chocolate, kitchen spices and kirsch perfectly in sync with the fine chalky tannins and oak influences rounding out to a long flavoursome finish.

Expert reviews

"An abundance of silky fresh fruits, displaying strawberry, raspberry coulis, caramel, spice and peppercorns, bound within fine tannins, before a long finale."  Decanter World Wine Awards - 93 points

"In a word: delicious. The 2019 Prodigal Grenache is pure and febrile, with layers of roasting pan spices, mulberry and raspberry pip. The Clare Valley has such a propensity for earthy/savory/meaty undertones, which offsets the plush, luxurious fruit that they also achieve frequently, and with ease. This is supple, pliable, pretty and balanced in all aspects of flavor. Drink: 2022 - 2029."  Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 90 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.