Kilikanoon ‘Oracle’ Shiraz 2015
Grape Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Growing Region: Clare Valley - Australia
Founder / Winemaker: Kevin Mitchell
*Chief & Senior Winemakers: Peter Warr & Kirby Graudins - *(both joining in late 2018)
5 Stars ★★★★★
Kilikanoon wines was established in 1997 by Kevin Mitchell, with two vineyards owned by Kevin and his father Mort and has built a reputation for crafting wines with a strong regional and varietal typicity. Even though the majority of Kilikanoon was sold in late 2017 - Kevin is still around sharing his knowledge and passion with the new winemaking team, but this 2015 expression is all Kevin and what a special wine it is.
This ‘Oracle’ Shiraz is described as a flagship wine for Kilikanoon, sourced from old vine Clare Valley Shiraz comprising the best 4 vineyard parcels from vines planted by Kevin Mitchell’s father Mort in the 1960’s and 70’s. Made in an opulent and regional style to showcase the best of Clare Valley terroir. The ‘Oracle’ Shiraz has been awarded World’s Best Shiraz three times by the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London.
Kevin: “With the exception of the 2011 vintage, each year since 1997 we have released the iconic ‘Oracle’ Shiraz. Crafted from old vine fruit grown along the Golden Hillside in Leasingham, it continues to display the opulence, regional character and varietal power the valley is renowned for”.
Low yielding parcels of Shiraz were selected, and vinified separately using traditional winemaking techniques, then aged for 18 months in a selection of new and one year old French oak barrels. The final cuvée was assembled and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It then had some extended cellaring before being released.
• As you pour, your glass will be filled with a dark red colour with vibrant crimson hue. The nose is decadent, expressing aromas of ripe plums, cacao, truffles, dried spices and subtle oak notes linger. The palate has a focused concentration and textural quality, confidently adding to its enduring legacy. Your senses are fully engaged with a generosity of ripe lush dark berries, mocha-chocolate, fresh liquorice and a raw complexity, supported by refined oak and silky tannins resulting a lingering and captivating finish.
This 2015 Kilikanoon ‘Oracle’ Clare Valley Shiraz has 14.5% Alc./vol. Classic dry style. I would recommend decanting for 35-45 minutes and serve in a generously shaped red wine glass at 16°- 18°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 15/8/21)
With mild-medium decanting, drinking this season; and will age nicely for another 8 - 10 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with prime cuts of meat grilled or bbq’d, wild game ragout, flavoursome pasta dishes with a rich wine-sauce, well-seasoned earthy vegetarian dishes, and aged hard cheeses - enjoy.
