Kilikanoon Shiraz Covenant 2004

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 127, July/August 2006 ($39) Deep violet. Explosive, pungent blackberry and dried rose on the nose, with excellent focus and precision. Deep, concentrated, chewy and rich in cherry and dark fruit flavors, with bright, firming acidity giving shape to the wine and extending the finish. Energetic and fresh for a wine with such power and depth.

The Wine Advocate rating: 94

The spectacular 2004 Shiraz Covenant, essentially declassified fruit not used for the Shiraz Oracle, spent 22 months in 80% French and 20% American 300 liter hogsheads. In fact, Kilikanoon does not use any small barrels, preferring the larger 300 liter vessels. Perhaps that accounts for the glorious levels of fruit and subtle oak influence in even the more expensive cuvees that are aged in 100% new oak. The dense, plum/purple-hued, full-bodied Shiraz Covenant exhibits notes of tapenade, blackberries, asphalt, truffles, and roasted meats. With a gorgeous texture as well as good opulence, read more...vibrancy, and definition, it can be consumed over the next 7-10 years. -Wine Advocate The fruit for the Covenant Shiraz was handpicked from four dry-grown premium vineyards located in the Leasingham district of the Clare Valley. Traditional methods of vinification were used through the winemaking process, fermentation taking place in small open vats and gently processed through a basket press. The wine spent twenty-four months maturation in French and American oak hogsheads before careful blending and bottling. Intense, inky / crimson red with distinct youthful, purple hues. Lifted sweet plum and berry fruits combine and integrate with the menthol, char and smoky oak characters. A great example of a full-bodied Clare Valley Shiraz, the palate being richly layered and textured. Chocolate and plum fruits create sweetness with classy French and American oak integrates and supports providing seamless length and flavor persistence. Cellaring potential of at least 12 - 15 years.    (hide)

"The spectacular 2004 Shiraz Covenant, essentially declassified fruit not used for the Shiraz Oracle, spent 22 months in 80% French and 20% American 300 liter hogsheads. In fact, Kilikanoon does not use any small barrels, preferring the larger 300 liter vessels. Perhaps that accounts for the glorious levels of fruit and subtle oak influence in even the more expensive cuvees that are aged in 100% new oak. The dense, plum/purple-hued, full-bodied Shiraz Covenant exhibits notes of tapenade, blackberries, asphalt, truffles, and roasted meats. With a gorgeous texture as well as good opulence, read more...vibrancy, and definition, it can be consumed over the next 7-10 years...94" WA 11/06    (hide)

No written review

February 2009

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Issue 167