Winery Spotlight: Kilikanoon
by Robyn • January 5, 2010 • All Posts, Winery Spotlights • 1 Comment
A few months ago I had the opportunity to sit down to lunch with Kilikanoon CEO Nathan Waks. That the winery’s website officially lists him as “major interferor (CEO)” tells you everything you need to know about this charming fellow. Well not quite, as the website goes on to explain:
Better known as a musician, which he should probably stick to, Nathan can often be found at his “office”- the stage of the Concert Hall in the Sydney Opera House, where he is Principal Cellist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, or late at night writing emails after concerts.
We had a delightful lunch, during which we tasted a slew of Kilikanoon wines — along with some very cool Seppelt (make that Seppeltsfield — oops — I drink a little…) fortified wines, but more about that later.
Kilikanoon owns or controls some 1200 acres of vineyards throughout South Australia to produce a wide range of wines, with a particular emphasis on Shiraz, Riesling and Grenache. Here are my notes on my favorites that day:
Kilikanoon 2007 Chardonnay South Australia The Lackey ($15). Refreshing, not overly oaked or creamy, but still offering full-bodied pear and citrus flavors and palate weight that will appeal to Chardonnay drinkers. Full, toasty, lightly spicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-21)
Kilikanoon 2008 Riesling Watervale Mort’s Block ($20). Tart green apple, lime zest, and crisp lemony citrus flavors are laced with a touch of smoky petrol aromas. Lovely finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 6-8 years. Great value. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kilikanoon 2007 Shiraz South Australia Killerman’s Run ($20). Really liked this, for its slick blackberry and blueberry fruit, and coffee, toast and vanilla accents. Long, plush finish stays bright, not heavy. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kilikanoon 2006 Grenache Clare Valley Prodigal ($30). Sleek and pretty, with cherry and black plum aromas and flavors that pick up tea, cocoa and toasty vanilla through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kilikanoon 2005 Shiraz Clare Valley Covenant ($40). It’s easy to fall for this one, for its juicy, jammy blackberry, black currant and cherry character that stays mouthwateringly bright, not overdone. With pretty spice and tobacco notes through the complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 7-8 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kilikanoon 2006 Shiraz Barossa Valley Testament ($40). Earthier and more savory than the Covenant, so head this way for the same price if you like that kind of thing (like I do!). Black fruit — berry, cherry, plum, currant — with a long, treacle-laced, spicy finish and plenty of grip. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-6 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kilikanoon 2006 Shiraz McLaren Vale M ($70). A nice array of aromas and flavors are layered here — mushroom, mint, blackberry, cherry, clove — all wound together and supported by impressive tannic structure. An iron fist in a velvet glove, with a long, evolving finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 5-6 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
To learn more about Kilikanoon, visit their website!
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