Kilikanoon Small Batch Montepulciano 2022
G 92
Clare winemakers are now firmly in the embrace of so-called “alternative” or new gen grape varieties. Here, the Italian montepulciano grape shows its potential in a savoury-influenced, dark-cherried, medium-bodied young red that asks for nothing more than a charcuterie platter. Tannins are ripe and fleshy, followed by a lively ball of easy-drinking flavour in black cherry, spiced plum, wild herbs, liquorice, clove and earth. Drink now–2028 Kilikanoon Small Batch Coupe de Blanc Riesling 2023 G 92 Gotta love the Small Batch project which allows Kilikanoon winemakers to indulge in a méthode traditionnelle Riesling. The versatility of the grape knows no bounds. Fruit from the first picked fruit of each vintage is chosen and then undergoes bottle fermentation and ageing on lees for 12 months. Arrives with the scent of apple, citrus, florals and honeysuckle with Nice biscuit. Dances on the palate, clean and bright in acidity, fine in texture and opens to reveal citrus, apple, almond nougat and hints of preserved lemon with just a touch of nutty autolysis. Rizza with bubbles could be the new summer drink of choice. Drink now–2028 Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2022 G 92 A Clare Valley Shiraz big on personality and presence. It doesn’t hold back, going bold and delivering generous ripe fruits across a fully textured, rich palate. Blackberry, loganberry, dark plums rise on the bouquet with blackstrap liquorice, cedary oak and an earthy, black olive savouriness. Well-textured and almost baroque in style, it offers a deeply velvety mouthful of flavour with a noted savoury presence, all managed nicely through well-controlled sturdy tannins. Finishes impressively on a firm, bright note. Drink now–2029 Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Shiraz 2021 G 92 Boasts a generous heart of Clare Valley Shiraz, upfront and honest in ripe sweet dark fruits and woody oak spices. Deep crimson colour. Dark fruits, wild berries, briar, earth, blackstrap liquorice and spice. A warm, expressive palate awaits in sandalwood, earth, blackberry, chocolate and baking spice on suede tannins, boasting weight, depth and length. Drink now–2030 Koerner The Clare Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Malbec 2023 G 92 Vibrant in purple colour and purple fruits, The Clare combines Cabernet Sauvignon (71%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Carignan (8%) and Malbec (7%) in one energised young red. It’s an inspired blend combining the black and red fruited, the earthy and herbal, the aromatic and lightly savoury in a bright and sparky palate that runs on smooth, ripe tannins. Individual in style and taste. Drink now–2030
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Clare Valley
205
Powered by FlippingBook