Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2005
Syrah/Shiraz
from Clare Valley, Australia
winemaker's notes:
The 2005 Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz displays an inky, crimson red color with purple hues.
The fragrant nose shows lifted aromas of plum and ripe black fruits which combine with mint,
char and smoky oak characters. The full-bodied palate is richly layered and textured offering
blackcurrant, chocolate and plum fruits integrated with French and American oak. The finish
provides incredible length and flavor persistence.
critical acclaim:
"Rich and luscious, as much Barossa in style as Clare Valley, the fruit flavours almost juicy; controlled oak and fine tannins."
94 Points
Australian Wine Companion
"Has impressive concentration without getting heavy or dense, offering sleek cherry, blackberry, berry leaf and mineral flavors that keep swirling through the long, focused finish. The tannins are well-submerged. Best from 2010 through 2017."
92 Points
Wine Spectator
"The 2005 Shiraz "Covenant" from the Clare Valley was aged for 22 months in French and American oak hogsheads, 30% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It exhibits cooler climate hints of mint and menthol, as well as mineral, pencil lead, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Elegantly styled, with excellent depth and concentration, it will evolve for 3-4 years, and drink well through 2020."
92 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Like all of winemaker Kevin Mitchell's Shirazes, this
is full-bodied and lushly textured. The point of difference here is the fruit character, which leans toward black olives and espresso, with just enough stewed fruit to provide cushioning. Finishes long and velvety, hinting at vanilla."
92 Points
Wine Enthusiast
"Ruby-red. Intensely perfumed, energetic scents of red and dark berries, cherry-vanilla and minerals, complicated by incense and floral oils. Vibrant and sharply focused, with lively
raspberry and blackcurrant flavors, silky tannins and a late note of candied licorice. Refreshingly juicy on the finish, with the cassis and floral qualities repeating. This is impressively lively for a wine with such flavor impact."
92 Points
International Wine Cellar
"Intensely concentrated from the initial scent right through the tarry finish, this is made in a hyper-ripe style with some volatility to spice up the blueberry, black cherry and chocolate
flavors. It finishes warm, with a little bitterness in the complex tannin. For wintry braised meats."
90 Points
Wine & Spirits
