Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Mort’s Block Vineyard was planted in 1973 by Mort Mitchell, located in the heart of Watervale in South Australia’s Clare Valley. Situated at an altitude of 370 meters, the vineyard benefits from the region’s distinctive terra rossa soils, which overlay limestone, providing excellent drainage and promoting minerality in the wines.

The growing season saw a dry, cool autumn followed by generous winter rains. Above-average spring rainfall transitioned into a cool and dry summer, resulting in slower ripening and allowing for full flavor development while retaining vibrant natural acidity. These conditions culminated in an exceptional vintage, with both quality and quantity exceeding expectations.

Winemaking

Row-selected parcels of Riesling fruit were harvested over the course of a week at their optimal ripeness. The grapes were loaded directly into the press, separating the iridescent free-run juice from gently pressed juice. After natural settling, the clarified juice was fermented at low temperatures, preserving the wine’s delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. This careful approach to winemaking ensures a fine acid line and intense fruit character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Translucent with a pale lemon hue.
• Nose: Complex and rich, offering aromas of white flowers, soft spice, lime juice, and a hint of chalk, reflecting the outstanding vintage.
• Palate: A sublime and focused flavor profile, featuring notes of fresh kaffir lime, crushed granite, jasmine, and honeydew melon. These flavors weave across a delicate mineral acidity, leading to a long, evolving finish.

Did You Know?

The Mort’s Block Vineyard, named for Mort Mitchell, represents over 50 years of family heritage. This site is part of the ancestral lands of the Ngadjuri people, and its carefully tended vines have consistently produced one of the Clare Valley’s most celebrated Rieslings.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Ceviche de Poisson: The wine’s vibrant acidity complements the zesty citrus flavors of ceviche.
• Ravioli au Citron et Ricotta: The delicate aromatics enhance the creamy and tangy profile of lemon ricotta ravioli.
• Sashimi de Saumon: The minerality and lime-driven notes harmonize with the clean, fatty flavors of sashimi.
• Tarte au Citron: Its citrus-driven palate mirrors the bright flavors of a classic lemon tart.

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.