Hot off the press, James Suckling and Nick Stock have completed their tasting of over 1,000 Australian wines in Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley.
Twenty-one Kilikanoon wines were rated 91 points and above, with the majority awarded 93+ points. Rising to the top with 96 points was the pinnacle of the Kilikanoon portfolio, 2010 Revelation Shiraz, followed closely by Attunga 1865 Shiraz on 94 points.
2010 Revelation Shiraz, 96 points
A very impressive and powerful shiraz that marries savory tarry aromas and coal dust with dark plums, black berries and licorice. The palate is built on extraordinary tannin depth with a lot of density and sweet-fruit appeal. It is immensely fresh and will age superbly. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
2013 Attunga 1865 Shiraz, 94 points
Impressive depth to this bottling of old vine shiraz. It carries essence-like dark plums, licorice, sarsaparilla and woody spices in a confident, assertive mode. The palate's bathed in flavors of rich dark plums and blackberries. Long, dense and succulent tannins hold effortless length. A brilliant ancient-vine shiraz. Drink now.
2013 Tregea Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 93 points
This has an impressive concentration and depth, speaking to the suitability of this variety in Clare Valley. Still fresh with plenty of leaves and herbs, as well as cassis and dark plums. The palate has long, structured fruit presence with handy tannin drive. Drink or hold.
2014 Baudinet Blend GSM, 93 points
Aromas of graphite, blueberries, blackberries and red plums lead to a palate that has good weight. However, this is not full body. The flavors are impressively deep and there’s a nicely groomed tannin texture. A blend of grenache, shiraz and mataro. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
2013 Kelly 1932 Grenache, 93 points
Some savory and nutty aromas with aromas of rich raspberries, darker berries and plums, all leading to a rather full body with long, noble tannins. There's effortless depth and a stony, savory feel to the tannins. Drink now. It has the right balance to support the aging.
2013 Attunga Mataro, 93 points
Spiced blueberry, sarsaparilla and sweet earthy aromas, leading to a smoothly fleshy palate that carries attractive ripe fruit flesh. Abundant mocha and spiced plum flavors. There's impressive density and balance here. Drink now.
2015 Mort’s Reserve Riesling, 93 points
Another quite appley riesling but more in the territory of dried apple rind. The nose also sports a peppering of petrol and some elderflower cordial. The palate shows some really well played acid and fruit balance, which sings out over a round texture. Finishes tangy but flavorful. Drink now.
2013 Oracle Shiraz, 93 points
Rich, dark and ripe plums and blackberries. Some mulberries and dark raspberries, too. The palate has impressive chocolate, dark plums and blackberries, holding the freshness right through to the smooth, long finish. Drink or hold.
2009 Oracle Museum Release, 92 points (available soon)
This is a riper style that has still managed to retain an almost essence-like blackberry fruit core on the palate. The smooth tannins delve into a territory of plum cake. Layered and dense. Drink now.
2014 Prodigal Grenache, 92 points
An array of red plums, wild raspberries, pomegranate and red cherries, as well as hints of light earth and spices. The palate has an attractive, tangy core of raspberries with lithe, juicy tannins. Drink now.
2017 Mort’s Cut Watervale Riesling, 92 points
Attractive lime citrus and tropical fruits here. The balance works well right through the palate. A neat and clean finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
2015 Pearce Road Semillon, 92 Points
Lemon curd, cloves, beeswax and some dried honeysuckle are what characterizes this Semillon. The palate may not be the most subtle, but it certainly shows some real spicy intensity with lots of vanilla and nutmeg undertones. The latter is bolstered by some good acid and fruit tension. Drink now.
2013 Duke Reserve Grenache, 91 points
A bold take on grenache with aromas of dried berries, tar and resin. The palate's stacked with extract and tannins. Big and chewy with earthy dried berries to close. A big wine. Drink now.
2017 Skilly Valley Pinot Gris, 91 points (sold out)
A spicy pinot gris that shows pear drops, apple pie, white peaches and yellow nectarines. Medium body, some pretty acidity and a medium to long finish. Drink now.
2016 Mort’s Block Riesling, 91 points
The nose here shows some petrol, as well as dried apricots and dried peaches with a touch of some dried mangoes. Full body with some intense acidity, but there is some nice fleshy fruit to close. Drink now.
2011 Mort’s Reserve Riesling Aged Release, 91 points
This has the petrol notes to it but there is also a smattering of nuttiness, straw and dried honeysuckle, complementing the cantaloupe melon candy. Medium bodied with tangy acidity and some round stone fruit. A finish with a hint of butterscotch aftertaste. Drink now.
2015 Covenant Shiraz, 91 points
A bold and expressive shiraz that has plenty of dark plums, as well as hints of licorice and hints of malty, savory characters. The palate is slick, supple and smoothly fruited, carrying a wealth of grainy, bright tannins. Screw cap. Drink or hold.
2017 Killerman’s Run Riesling, 91 points
A more appley rendition of a Riesling with a bouquet characterized by light jasmine and cherry blossoms. The palate has a nice layering of stone and greener fruit, which is delivered in an approachable manner over some rather steely acidity. Drink now.
2016 Killerman’s Run GSM, 91 points
An array of bright red plums and raspberries with some meaty nuances. The palate has a bright, crunchy array of summer-berry flavors. A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. Drink now. Screw cap.
2016 Killerman’s Run Shiraz, 91 points
A subtly leafy red with aromas of dark berries, leading to a palate with a succulent array of fruit flesh and rather firm tannins. Drink or hold.
2016 Killerman’s Run Cabernet Sauvignon, 91 points
Some leafy nuances ahead of cassis and redcurrant aromas. A mellow, floral edge, too. The palate has plenty of ripe and nutty tannins, supporting the cassis and red berries. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Wines reviewed by James Suckling and contributing editor Nick Stock. Read the full article on JamesSuckling.com
