Tasting Notes:
The dark ruby-colored Kilikanoon 2004 Grenache The Duke (from 85-year-old vines, and aged 25 months in old French and American 300 liter hogsheads) exhibits a southern Rhone-like bouquet of kirsch liqueur, spice box, earth, pepper as well as the same dusty, resiny component found in the Prodigal. Full-bodied and powerful yet elegant, it could easily pass for a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006)
About Kilikanoon:
Winemaker Kevin Mitchell purchased the Kilikanoon property in the heart of South Australia’s picturesque Clare Valley in 1997 with a vision of creating his own brand. The first Kilikanoon branded wines were from the 1997 vintage and released in 1998. The wines were Shiraz (soon to become the Oracle, Mort’s Block Riesling, Prodigal Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, with all the grapes coming from the 2 vineyards owned by Kevin and his father Mort.
Like many Australia winemakers Kevin Mitchell is highly trained in both the scientific and artistic sides of winemaking. He also comes from a long tradition of grape growing in the Clare Valley, where grapes have been grown and wine made since the 1850s.
In more recent times Kilikanoon has received comments like “This is one of the most brilliantly run wineries in Australia” from Robert Parker Jnr’s Wine Advocate, who has regularly scored Kilikanoon’s wines up to 98 points, and the coveted 5 red stars from James Halliday’s authoritative Australian Wine Companion.
These, as well as international awards such as Best Shiraz (worldwide) at the 2008 International Wine Challenge for Kilikanoon’s Oracle Shiraz .