2003 Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz

Kilikanoon was established in 1997 when winemaker Kevin Mitchell purchased vineyards in the Clare Valley of South Australia. Mitchell came from a grape growing family and his first Kilikanoon vintage was the 1997. Today the estate is owned by Mitchell and small group of private investors, and the estate produces about 40,000 crates of wine a year. Though the estate makes a number of varietals, its main wines are Shiraz. Wine Advocate. has frequently rated the estate’s wines very highly. The journal rated the 2006 Kilikanoon Shiraz Attunga 1865 at 98 pts and called it “the flagship of Kilikanoon…Thick and rich, it coats the glass withy glycerin. It gives up a brooding bouquet…and a 60-second finish.” Kilikanoon’s Shiraz Oracle is also highly regarded.

South Australia is the nation’s most important wine region. South Australia is to Australia what California is to the U.S. About half of Australia’s wine comes from South Australia and many of the country’s most acclaimed producers are there. Wineries based in South Australia include Penfolds Grange, Torbreck, Amon Ra, Henschke and Jacob’s Creek. The prestigious Barossa Valley is located in South Australia, and is often compared to Napa Valley because it is gorgeous topography covered in grape vines. First farmed by 19th century German-speakers who immigrated from what is now Poland, the Barossa Valley is the crown jewel of the region. South Australia has widely varying climates, from very hot, dry areas to cooler, high altitude areas. There are more than 150,000 acres of vineyards in South Australia, with more being planted each month. Shiraz is king, though the region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Semillon.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.