Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2005

Professional Ratings

• 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  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 Wine Spectator
  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 Wine Enthusiast
  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.
• 90 Wine & Spirits
  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.