Kilikanoon Wines
This inaugural vintage release celebrates the centenary planting of this single block of Mataro. Planted in 1920, the heritage clone has been dry grown and trained uniquely high to survive the harsh, cold conditions the Clare Valley can experience. While commonly used as a blending component, this iconic vineyard produces fruit with rich and complex flavours that are bright and expressive as a true stand-alone single vineyard wine.
Located in one of the valleys of the historic Seven Hill sub-region of Clare, the Ashton Vineyard stands apart due to its unusually high trellis. This traditional method of surviving frost prone zones has resulted in highly resilient vines that produce consistent fruit even in stress years.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The 2020 vintage was a warm and dry year that was exacerbated by similar conditions in the year prior. These stressful conditions were handled well by the aged, dry grown vineyard which produced consistent and balanced fruit - a rare sight in 2020! Harvested on the 17th March, the fruit arrived in the winery under ideal conditions at first light.
WINEMAKING
This single batch of fruit was delivered by the vigneron to the winery and placed into a small open-top fermenter where it was chilled and allowed to rest for three days. After this, the must was allowed to warm and ferment initiate naturally. Hand plunged daily, the grapes were basket pressed upon completion of the ferment. This wine was then barrelled into a combination of seasoned French oak hogsheads (300L) and puncheons (500L).
GRAPE VARIETY
Mataro (otherwise known as Mourvedre or Monastrell)
SENSORY
Colour: Deep crimson that carries all the way through the hue.
Aroma: Bright and intense aromas lift from the glass. Complex and rich, aromas of blackcurrant, charcoal smoked meat and cracked green pepper emanate from the wine.
Palate: A firmly structured wine with an exceptionally soft flow through the palate. The mineral acidity, soft fruit tannin and seamless French oak are all harmoniously integrated. Dark brooding fruit is underpinned by layers of savoury notes, a hint of graphite and sweet spices.
AWARDS
ABV: 14% ABV
CELLARING: Now until 2030.
WINEMAKERS
Peter Warr & Kirby Graudins.
