Across eight vineyards – each with its own soil, altitude, rainfall, aspect and diurnal temperature range – Kilikanoon paints a broad picture of what Clare Valley wines are all about. Within these subregions, playful experimentation is the name of the game—an attitude best expressed in Kilikanoon’s small-batch ‘Kx’ wines, which dare to be different (the montepulciano is a knockout).
But if you’re going to experiment, you should probably start with a stable, predictable base. Kilikanoon has spent the last quarter-century establishing this base – a cellar full of versatile and affordable riseling, shiraz, grenache and rosé bottles. If your wallet can handle the heat, keep an eye out for excellent ‘museum release’ bottles of shiraz and grenache – dark and broody offerings from decades past.
Tastings at Kilikanoon’s cottage cellar door start at $10 for four wines ($20 for eight), scaling up to a private one-hour tasting experience in the ‘Revelation Lounge', featuring Kilikanoon’s top bottles ($60). Book ahead.
