Kilikanoon Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Attunga 1865 vineyard lies just north of Auburn in Clare Valley at an altitude of 340 meters, facing west to capture the warmth of the afternoon sun. This small, historical plot consists of just 12 rows of vines, which are deeply rooted in terra rossa soils. These mineral-rich soils contribute to the wine’s depth and unique minerality, while the vineyard’s high elevation and careful vine management provide balance and complexity. The grapes are grown on Ngadjuri land, honoring the traditional custodians of this ancient terrain.

The 2019 growing season was marked by low winter rainfall and a warm start to spring, promoting early bud burst and ideal conditions for ripening. These factors led to one of the lowest environmental stress years in recent memory, allowing the fruit to achieve full maturity and concentrated flavors. This exceptional vintage has produced a wine that captures the essence of Clare Valley terroir with remarkable purity and structure.

Winemaking

The Kilikanoon Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2019 is meticulously crafted to reflect the quality of this historic vineyard. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted, with only the finest bunches gently crushed into open-top fermenters made of French oak. During fermentation, the wine is hand-plunged twice daily for ten days to enhance flavor extraction, before being drained and basket-pressed. It then undergoes 18 months of maturation in a selection of new and one-year-old French oak hogsheads, which adds layers of complexity while preserving the wine’s vibrant fruit character.

This traditional and patient approach allows the wine to achieve its signature seamless texture and integrate its finely tuned tannins with the elegance of French oak, resulting in a Shiraz that is both powerful and beautifully balanced.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Vibrant red with youthful crimson hues.
• Aroma: A lifted bouquet of dark fruits intertwined with herbal infusions, underpinned by subtle, savory notes and enhanced by delicate hints of French oak.
• Palate: Known for its seamless texture, this wine delivers a graceful flow of flavors, with dark cherries and a subtle red fruit structure. The finely tuned tannins are harmoniously integrated, contributing to a long, elegant finish. Drinking beautifully now, but poised to develop further with cellaring.

Did You Know?

The Attunga 1865 Shiraz is a testament to Kilikanoon’s commitment to preserving Australia’s viticultural heritage, sourced from some of the oldest productive Shiraz vines in the country. This wine is only released in outstanding vintages, reflecting both historical significance and exceptional quality.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised beef short ribs with rosemary and thyme: Enhances the wine’s rich, dark fruit flavors and complements its structured tannins.
• Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary: Pairs well with the wine’s herbal notes and earthy complexity.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy, savory flavors of the mushrooms resonate with the wine’s subtle layers of flavor.
• Aged Gouda or Comté: Complements the wine’s depth and refined tannins.

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.