2016 Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz

2016 Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz is one of Clare Valley’s benchmark reds and the flagship Shiraz of Kilikanoon. Crafted from low-yield estate vineyards across some of the region’s most prized sites, it captures the power, perfume and poise that have made Clare Shiraz so sought-after. First created in 1997 as one of the estate’s original four wines, Oracle pays homage to the mythical oracle – a place people seek for wisdom – by offering a deep, complex expression of its unique terroir.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Oracle Shiraz is a deep, opaque dark red with youthful crimson highlights at the rim, hinting at both concentration and vitality. The nose is layered and seductive, opening with black olive tapenade and ripe blueberry, then unfolding notes of licorice, cinnamon, clove and a subtle touch of vanilla and cedar from quality French oak. On the palate, this is a rich, full-bodied and powerful Shiraz that still manages to feel poised. Dense dark berries and plums are lifted by brighter red fruit, leading into savoury charcuterie tones, hints of dark chocolate and sweet baking spices. The tannins are fine, powdery and beautifully integrated, giving the wine drive and length into a long, velvety finish. 2016 is a superbly structured vintage with the concentration and balance to age gracefully for 10–15 years or more in good cellaring conditions, gradually developing more savoury complexity, leather and truffle notes over time.

Production
Oracle Shiraz is sourced from Kilikanoon’s own estate vineyards on Mt. Surmon, Trillians Hill, Morrison’s, Mort’s and the renowned Attunga Vineyard, all within South Australia’s elevated Clare Valley. This northern highlands region combines warm days, cool nights and a diverse patchwork of soils – including limestone, slate and rocky, low-fertility sites – that naturally limit yields and give intensely flavoured, mineral-driven fruit. Low-yield parcels of Shiraz from each vineyard were hand-selected for their depth and concentration, then vinified separately using traditional methods to preserve the character of each site. After fermentation, the individual lots were matured for 18 months in a carefully chosen mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels, before blending to create a seamless, layered and distinctly Clare Valley expression of Shiraz.

Food & Serving
This is a generous, food-loving Shiraz that shines alongside rich, savoury dishes. Think slow-braised lamb shanks, grilled ribeye or wagyu steak, game dishes, charcuterie, roasted root vegetables and hard or semi-hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or Comté. It also works beautifully with dishes featuring earthy mushrooms, black olives, or a touch of smoky spice. Serve at 16–18°C; if opened in its youth, decant for 1–2 hours to allow the aromatics and texture to fully unwind. Older bottles (8+ years) may only need a gentle splash-decant to remove sediment and to let the more delicate tertiary notes emerge.

Producer
Founded in the late 1990s, Kilikanoon has rapidly become one of Clare Valley’s most celebrated producers, renowned for wines that combine power with finesse. Its philosophy is built around showcasing the region’s remarkable diversity of microclimates and soils through meticulous site selection and sensitive winemaking. With a portfolio spanning Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, Kilikanoon has helped define the modern identity of Clare Valley wines on the world stage. The estate’s flagship bottlings, including Oracle Shiraz, have earned consistent acclaim from leading international critics and publications such as Wine Spectator and James Suckling, cementing Kilikanoon’s status as a reference point for premium Australian wine.

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