Kilikanoon Baroota Reserve Shiraz 2018

Kevin Mitchell’s Kilikanoon estate was named Australia’s Winery of the Year in 2013 by the country’s most-respected wine critic, James Halliday. And America’s top wine critic, Robert Parker, describes Kilikanoon as “one of Australia’s most brilliantly run wineries.” Kevin’s 98-point flagship Shiraz sells for around $250 a bottle, but because we go way back with him, he’s happy to share his exclusive Baroota Reserve with you for much (much) less.

Just north of the most famous Shiraz region, the Barossa Valley, Baroota (a word with Aboriginal roots meaning “hunting ground”) is home to a very special vineyard that Kevin considers “a hidden treasure of exceptional Shiraz.” True statement – it’s famed for its 90-plus-point wines. “I love working with fruit from Baroota. It’s the first to ripen each year, giving me a chance to really focus on small batches of the finest grapes,” Kevin says.

Speaking of fine, the previous release earned 94 points from leading critic Sam Kim. He raved, “Superbly ripe and instantly appealing, the inviting bouquet shows blackberry, cocoa, black olive, and dark plum characters, leading to a sumptuous palate that is beautifully rounded and velvety. The wine offers excellent fruit richness and intensity, together with stylish oak infusion and subtle savory complexity.” The 2018 release has followed up with a gold medal from the China Wine & Spirits Awards.

True to the Aboriginal inspiration for its name, Baroota is great with hearty game meats, as well as savory beef, lamb, or one-pot vegetarian meals. While it’s drinking deliciously now, it’ll also continue to improve with a few years in the cellar (if you can bear to wait).

Kevin crafted very few cases of this gorgeous red – add some to your cart today.