One of the premium wine grape growing regions of the world, the Clare Valley optimises nuances of the sub regions to produce exceptional and often elegant examples of Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache.
Despite covering a relatively small area, the numerous sub regions of the valley exhibit individual micro-climates that particularly favour these varieties, while altitude variation from 300m to 600m results in vastly different terroir. Additionally, soils vary through the valley, from red brown 'terra rossa' over limestone, through to black alluvial soils in low lying areas.
A high daily temperature range (as much as 20 degrees Celsius in summer) helps to lock in the natural acidity, varietal flavour and aroma of white varieties and promotes tannin, structure and colour in red wines. This diversity enables Kilikanoon to showcase Clare Valley terroir throughout the portfolio.
Attunga Vineyard
Finns Road, Auburn, Clare Valley, South Australia, 5451 | 12 ha with 0.75 ha of Attunga 1865 Shiraz vines
Originally planted in 1865 and owned by Peter Burner & Michele Gates, around 800 of the original Attunga vines remain in a mere 13 north-south running rows. Each row is 175 metres long and spaced approximately 2.5 metres apart, planted on a west, south-westerly slope. The vines changed from old bush vines to single wire 4ft trellis around 15 years ago for more consistent yields and easier harvest. Subsequently the average annual crop of 2-2.5 tonne with an extraction rate at the winery of approximately 600 litres per tonne (or approximately 3kg per vine) produces around 2.4 bottles per vine. The Attunga vineyard sits at 329-336m above sea level. The soil is Terra Rossa – with alluvial clay red loam over limestone over shale over bluestone/slate which is thicker at the north of the block and thinner at south. The limestone being quite porous holds water during winter which the vines can draw on when they feel the need. Nature provides its own 'irrigation' to this dry-grown vineyard.
Baroota Vineyard
Gribble Road, Baroota, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, 5495 | 32ha under vine and 2ha of olives
Baroota is an exciting new vineyard area in the Southern Flinders Ranges. This area has an attractive Mediterranean micro-climate with cooling breezes from the nearby Spencer Gulf tempering the dry summer heat. The soils are rich and well suited to both grapes and olives, and an excellent clean water supply is provided by artesian bores. This vineyard is comprised of approx 7 ha of Cabernet planted in 1996 and 1998, 17 ha Shiraz planted 1996 and 1997, 3.5 ha Shiraz planted in 2000 and 4.5 ha Shiraz planted 2001. Kilikanoon makes a number of wines from the Baroota area vineyards, including the Baroota Reserve Shiraz.
Green's Vineyard
Basedow Road, Tanunda, Barossa Valley, South Australia, 5352 | 15.39 ha with 13.7 ha under vine
In the heart of the Barossa Valley, Green's Vineyard has a combination of premium varieties including Shiraz and Grenache some of which are more than 40 years old. Kilikanoon iconic Crowhurst and Green's Reserve Shiraz are produced from this vineyard, with fruit also going into the Kilikanoon Testament Shiraz (95 points) and Medley GSM (93 points "drink this liquid Viagra over the next 5-7 years..."Robert Parker 2006). Soil of sandy loam over heavy red clay imparts these grapes with strong tannins and superb structure.
Meyman's Block
Block's Road, Leasingham, Clare Valley, South Australia, 5452 | 4.5 ha under vine
Bordering the Walton's Vineyard, this vineyard is comprised of dry grown Shiraz, planted in 2000 with the first crop was harvested in 2003. Planted in an east-west aspect the soils are red brown earth over limestone with some ironstone at the western end of the block. The fruit from this vineyard is of very high standard and provides the foundation for our Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz.
Morrisons Block
Horrock's Highway, Leasingham, Clare Valley, South Australia, 5452 | 25 ha with 21 ha under vine
Purchased by Kilikanoon in 2008, this vineyard has become one of the premium Shiraz and Riesling producing blocks in the Kiilikanoon portfolio. Planted in red brown earth over limestone on a westerly aspect, the oldest vines here date back to the early 1970's. The most premium of grapes from this block become our Oracle Shiraz, while the remainder are typically destined for our award winning Covenant Shiraz. Our east west Riesling producing block finds its way into our Mort's Block Riesling, so named after winemaker Kevin's father.
Mort's Block
Horrock's Highway, Leasingham, Clare Valley, South Australia, 5452 | 6 ha under vine
Mort's Block vineyard was planted over 40 years ago by Mort Mitchell, father of Kevin Mitchell, Kilikanoon's founder and Chief Winemaker. This vineyard is at the heart of a group of Watervale Estates vineyards which provide the core fruit for Kilikanoon's most prestigious labels - The Oracle and Covenant Shiraz, Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon and Mort's Block Riesling. Traditional methods are employed to tender this vineyard; careful rod and spur pruning and hand picking pay homage to its namesake Mort Mitchell. Light brown earth over limestone provides the ideal growing conditions for premium Shiraz and Riesling.
Tregea Vineyard
Penna Lane, Penwortham, Clare Valley, South Australia 5453 | 2.75 ha with 1 ha under vine
Planted in 1998 this small, dry grown Cabernet producing block frames our Cellar Door and provides not only the superb grapes for our Blocks Road Cabernet, but also a beautiful backdrop to our Cellar Door and Tregea's Terrace. Soil offers gravely loam, east west running block with an easterly aspect. Being tucked away these grapes are typically the last picked and mark the end of vintage for our viticultural & winery team.
Trillian's Hill Vineyard
Springfarm Road, Penwortham, Clare Valley, South Australia, 5453 | 43 ha with 24.28 ha under vine
Established in 2001, Trillian's Hill boasts gravely loam soils and benefits from an abundant water supply. Varieties planted include Shiraz, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Mouvedre. Much of the fruit used in the Killerman's Run Range is also sourced from this vineyard. The elevation of approximately 450-500 metres makes this one of the highest vineyards not only in the Kilikanoon portfolio, but in the Clare Valley.
Walton's Block
Walton's Block | Block's Road, Leasingham, Clare Valley, South Australia, 5452 | 4 ha planted to vine
Walton's is situated in the Watervale sub-district of the Clare Valley with its classic soils of red brown earth over limestone. Planted with premium Clare Valley varieties of Riesling, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, the vineyard is approximately 40 years old. The grapes are dry grown, hand pruned and handpicked. The red varieties form the basis of Kilikanoon's premium labels - Block's Road Cabernet Sauvignon and Prodigal Grenache.