2018 Kilikanoon Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley Australia

"This is one of the most brilliantly run wineries in Australia, and the quality of the entire portfolio is impressive" – Robert Parker JNR

Looking for a Cabernet that punches above its weight? The Kilikanoon Blocks Road is exactly what you’re after. This stunning wine combines exceptional quality and great value.

Kilikanoon was founded by Kevin Mitchell, a man whose family has been entrenched in the world of winemaking for generations. Kevin’s father, Mort Mitchell, was instrumental in planting some of Clare Valley’s most prized vineyards, including the renowned Golden Hillside and Mort’s Block. Kevin grew up working the land with his father, developing a profound understanding of terroir that would shape his winemaking philosophy. In 1997, Kevin made the decision to establish Kilikanoon and produce wines that would express the unique characteristics of the Clare Valley, a region he holds dear to his heart.

The Clare Valley, located in South Australia, is known for its cool, high-altitude vineyards and diverse terroirs, making it one of Australia’s most exciting wine regions. The valley is made up of three distinct sub-regions—Leasingham, Watervale, and Skilly Valley—each offering a unique microclimate that contributes to the complexity of the wines. With a mix of terra rossa soils over limestone and black alluvial soils in the valley’s low-lying areas, this region is ideal for producing wines that are full of depth and flavor. The diurnal temperature variation (hot days, cool nights) gives Clare Valley wines their natural acidity, which helps preserve the wine’s freshness while allowing the fruit to ripen to perfection.

The Kilikanoon Blocks Road is a direct result of this unique environment. The vineyard, located in the Golden Hillside area, is one of Kilikanoon’s most prized sites and one of the original vineyards Kevin used to craft the first Kilikanoon wines back in 1997.

Kevin Mitchell’s passion for terroir-driven wines is evident in every bottle. His philosophy, which is deeply rooted in his family’s experience, focuses on selecting the best vineyards and crafting wines that showcase the unique qualities of each region. This approach has earned Kilikanoon numerous accolades, including high scores from respected critics and industry leaders, further cementing the winery’s reputation as a top producer in Clare Valley.

Aging: 14 months in French oak.