Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend Grenache - Shiraz - Mataro 2019

Region and Vineyards

The grapes for this 2019 Baudinet GSM blend are sourced from the renowned Clare Valley region, located on Ngadjuri land in South Australia. Known for its diverse microclimates and varied soil types, Clare Valley provides ideal growing conditions for red varieties. The 2019 vintage faced a mix of dry conditions with cooler-than-average temperatures, resulting in smaller yields of highly concentrated, flavor-rich fruit. Despite some extreme weather events, including record low spring temperatures and an exceptionally hot summer, the red varieties displayed remarkable resilience, producing grapes with intense flavors and balanced acidity.

The Clare Valley’s unique terroir, characterized by its dry climate and well-drained soils, adds structure and depth to the Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro grapes. This combination of conditions yields a wine that expresses the classic Clare Valley character with a powerful and layered profile.

Winemaking

Each varietal in the Baudinet Blend—Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro—is harvested separately at optimal ripeness to capture the best of its flavor profile. Traditional winemaking techniques, including hand plunging, délestage, and basket pressing, are used in small open fermenters to gently extract color, tannins, and flavors from the grapes. After pressing, each batch is aged for 14 months in seasoned French oak barrels, enhancing complexity and integration without overpowering the fruit. This careful aging process allows the individual characters of each grape to blend seamlessly, creating a wine with great depth and a refined structure.

The resulting cuvée is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, achieving a harmonious balance between fruit intensity, savory elements, and refined tannins, making it a versatile and age-worthy wine.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red with a vibrant purple hue.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet of blackberry, plum, and spice, with undertones of tanned leather and fresh lavender.
• Palate: Concentrated and seamless, featuring flavors of red plum, cherry, and blackberry. The wine has a savory backbone with subtle hints of smoke and tar, supported by silky, plush tannins that lead to a long, expressive finish. Continues to evolve beautifully as it airs in the glass.

Did You Know?

The Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend has garnered significant acclaim, winning multiple trophies, including the International Wine Challenge Triple Trophy for Clare Valley Red, South Australian Red, and Australian Red, showcasing its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-cooked lamb with rosemary and thyme: The wine’s depth and tannic structure pair well with the savory richness of lamb.
• Duck confit with cherry reduction: Complements the wine’s plum and cherry flavors, enhancing its complexity.
• Mushroom and truffle risotto: Highlights the earthy, smoky notes in the wine.
• Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego: Complements the wine’s concentrated fruit and tannin profile.

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.