Kilikanoon ‘Covenant’ Clare Valley Shiraz 2014
Grape Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Growing Region: Clare Valley - Australia
Founder / Winemaker: Kevin Mitchell
5 Stars ★★★★★
Kevin Mitchell and his experienced winemaking team at Kilikanoon - though based in the heart of the Clare Valley, work with a large number of prime vineyard sites selected throughout South Australia. They have chosen unique terroir to craft wines which express the individuality of their respective terroir. And along the way, developing a reputation as a specialist in crafting old vine wines; with the oldest vines being 153 years of age - with a new world approach.
As with previous vintages and expressions - this 2014 ‘Covenant’ Shiraz is definitely more than the sum of its parts - and showcases the Clare Valley’s unique elevated terroir and the wines unique varietal typicity. The ‘Covenant’ Shiraz is composed from selected vineyards located in the Clare Valley. An ideal season and vintage for Shiraz in the Clare Valley, with the growing conditions being generally warm and dry during 2014. Maximising the flavour potential of the fruit parcels whilst the regions famed elevation, providing cool night-time temperatures. With the harvesting occurring with fruit at an optimum flavour profile and tannin development - ensuring elegance within the wine and giving a long cellaring potential.
All of the fruit was handpicked and selected from 5 older vineyard sites across the region, with each parcel fermented separately and allowed to age and develop in small French oak barrels for 18 months, before tasting, final blending and then being bottled in early 2016.
★ As you pour this wine into your glass, you will be greeted by a deep red colour with a vibrant crimson hue. With some distance from the glass, your senses will start to be engaged by complex, ripe aromas, featuring dark berry fruits, dried spices, black olives and cured meats, entwined with notes of tobacco and French oak. These notes set the scene for what is about to follow on the palate.
Blackberries, mocha-chocolate, some lifted red fruits and a good use of French oak giving just enough balance to the fruit tannins and giving further interest for the senses. This wine could be described as classic Clare Valley Shiraz, showcasing the regions unique terroir and the vineyards complex personality. This is a generous fruit driven style, already showing a slightly rounded mouthfeel and an elegance on the lingering finish.
This 2014 Kilikanoon ‘Covenant’ Clare Valley Shiraz has 14.5% Alc./vol. Drinking now with good decanting of 45-50 minutes and serve in a generous wine glass at 17°- 18°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking with mild-medium decanting this season: plus, will age well for another 10 - 12 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with well-seasoned red meats, slow roasted lamb shanks w/ wine-jus, rich mushroom pasta dishes and aged, hard cheeses - enjoy.
