Kilikanoon

Kilikanoon, founded in 1997 by Kevin Mitchell, is a boutique winery in the Clare Valley of South Australia. Renowned for its terroir-driven wines, Kilikanoon combines traditional winemaking techniques with a focus on regional expression, producing wines celebrated for their intensity, balance, and age-worthiness.

History of Kilikanoon

The story of Kilikanoon begins with Kevin Mitchell, who inherited his passion for viticulture from his father, Mort Mitchell, a legendary grape grower in the Clare Valley. Mort planted Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache, and Riesling vines in the 1960s in the Leasingham sub-district, which later formed the heart of Kilikanoon’s estate vineyards. The winery itself is housed in a historic 1860s stone cottage, reflecting its deep ties to the Clare Valley’s heritage.

Kevin Mitchell’s vision was to craft wines that showcased the unique microclimates and soils of the Clare Valley. His dedication to minimal intervention winemaking, focusing on low yields and unfiltered wines, has established Kilikanoon as one of Australia’s most acclaimed wineries. Today, Peter Warr, an accomplished winemaker who joined in 2018, continues the legacy of innovation and excellence.

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley, with its rolling hills and steep north-south ranges, is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Kilikanoon’s vineyards span across five sites, including the Golden Hillside in Leasingham, known for its terra rossa soils over limestone. These soils are ideal for producing mineral-driven Rieslings and intensely flavored Shiraz. The winery also sources fruit from neighboring regions such as the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale for select wines.

The region benefits from a continental climate with Mediterranean influences, marked by warm days and cool nights. This unique climate allows for slow, even ripening, enhancing the development of balanced acidity and concentrated flavors in the wines.

Wine Range of Kilikanoon

Kilikanoon’s portfolio is divided into distinct tiers:

  • Flagship Wines: Including the prestigious Attunga 1865 Shiraz.
  • Reserve Wines: Notable selections such as Oracle Shiraz, The Duke Grenache, and Mort’s Reserve Riesling.
  • Regional Wines: Examples include Covenant Shiraz, Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon, and Medley GSM.
  • Killerman’s Run: A tribute to a legendary Clare Valley bushman, this range includes Shiraz, Riesling, GSM, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • The Lackey: A more accessible range with wines like Shiraz and Chardonnay.

Kilikanoon is especially lauded for its Rieslings, known for their ability to age gracefully for decades, and its Shirazes, which balance power and finesse with remarkable aging potential.

Did You Know?

Kilikanoon’s Attunga 1865 Shiraz comes from vines planted over 150 years ago, making it one of the oldest vineyards in Australia. This heritage reflects the winery’s commitment to preserving the Clare Valley’s rich winemaking history.

 
Australia
88 Robert Parker
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2020
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2020
Bright red in colour with youthful hues. On the nose wild berry fruits, dark cherries and smoky French oak notes flood the senses. An elegantly poised yet texturally rewarding palate, bringing…
Killerman's Run Shiraz 2020
21,90 €
Australia
92 Robert Parker
Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling 2022
Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling 2022
Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling is an iconic expression of Watervale in the Clare Valley, showcasing precise acidity and intense aromatics that define this classic Riesling.
Mort's Block Riesling 2022
21,90 €
Australia
87 Robert Parker
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run GSM 2020
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run GSM 2020
Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run GSM is a vibrant and seamless blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and a deep connection to the Clare Valley’s diverse terroir.
Killerman's Run GSM 2020
21,90 €
Australia
93 Robert Parker
Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend Grenache - Shiraz - Mataro 2019
Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend Grenache - Shiraz - Mataro 2019
Named in honor of Bruce Baudinet, a partner at Kilikanoon and owner of the vineyards from which the Mataro and Shiraz are sourced, this wine exemplifies balance and complexity.
Baudinet Blend Grenache - Shiraz - Mataro 2019
39,90 €
Australia
Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2016
Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2016
The Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz is a celebrated flagship wine from Kilikanoon, embodying the essence of Clare Valley’s terroir with power and elegance.
Oracle Shiraz 2016
90,00 €
Australia
97 James Halliday
Kilikanoon Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2019
Kilikanoon Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2019
The Kilikanoon Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2019 is a prestigious single-vineyard Shiraz, crafted from some of the oldest continuously producing vines in Australia, planted in 1865.
Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2019
205,00 €