Kilikanoon

Clare Valley, Australia

Kilikanoon was founded in 1997 when winemaker and proprietor Kevin Mitchell purchased the property of the same name in the hamlet of Penwortham in South Australia’s picturesque Clare Valley.

In a nutshell: The Kilikanoon vineyards are located in an area with a viticultural history dating back to 1851, when Jesuit settlers appreciated the fertility and grape growing potential of the land.

Kevin Mitchell hails from a long line of viticulturists, and his 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 50 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 absolute focus is on producing wines with power, elegance, generous fruit, excellent acid structure and exceptional length. While many of the wines are single vineyard, single varietal wines, the exceptional Clare Valley terroir urges blending, this diversity being the true key to quality and distinctiveness.

The terroir: Is one of the most unique in the world. Altitudes range from 220m to over 600m above sea level, although with no maritime influence, days are hot and nights are cool. This high diurnal temperature difference combined with the altitude means longer hang time than in the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale. As a result, tannins can ripen and varietal flavour can develop before fruit is sugar ripe. Combine this with at least eleven identified soil structures and you are able to craft wines of outstanding quality.

The Kilikanoon “personality”: The powerful elegance of Kilikanoon Wines is the ultimate expression of Clare Valley terroir. A symphony of diverse and unique microclimates masterfully composed, to deliver impeccable quality and style for each wine.

Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Reserve Watervale Riesling 2018