Celebration of Shiraz Elite Dozen
⏳ Drinking Window
2024 - 2032
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder, prime rib eye steak, mature hard cheeses
✨ Technical Specifications
The Celebration of Shiraz Elite Dozen represents a curated showcase of Kilikanoon's mastery over South Australia's signature grape, drawing from the diverse microclimates and ancient soils of the Clare Valley. Winemaker Kevin Mitchell's deep connection to this region is reflected in these wines, which are sourced from low-yielding, often ancient vines grown on unique terroirs ranging from red-brown earths over limestone to dark alluvial soils. The Clare Valley's dramatic diurnal temperature variation—characterized by warm, sunny days followed by cool breezes sweeping through the valley at night—allows the Shiraz grapes to retain natural acidity while developing intense, concentrated fruit flavors and complex structural tannins. This collection highlights the spectrum of Kilikanoon's Shiraz winemaking, balancing power, rich dark fruit, and elegant spice.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1997 by winemaker Kevin Mitchell alongside his viticulturist father Mort Mitchell, Kilikanoon has evolved into one of the Clare Valley’s definitive benchmark estates. Headquartered at an 1860s stone farmhouse in Penwortham, the estate commands access to premier vineyard parcels spanning diverse subregions, including Watervale, Leasingham, and Auburn. Altitudes range from 220 to over 600 meters above sea level, engendering dramatic diurnal shifts that preserve vital acidity and balance the Mediterranean sun. Kilikanoon champions sustainable farming across varied terroirs characterized by red terra rossa over limestone and slate-rich soils, most famously showcased in the ungrafted, dry-grown 1865 Attunga parcel. In the cellar, the winemaking philosophy pairs traditional fermentation techniques with precise maturation in French oak and unadorned vinification for aromatic whites. Revered for power paired with structural elegance, the estate's benchmark bottlings include the storied Attunga 1865 Shiraz, Oracle Shiraz, and the piercing, mineral-driven Mort's Reserve Watervale Riesling.
🍇 Grapes
Shiraz