2019 Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend GSM, Clare Valley

51/37/12% grenache/shiraz/mataro. Fruit from the Trillians vineyard in Penwortham at 500m elevation. Bottle no 0188. GSM is such a brilliant combination of varieties. You get pleasure from all angles: buoyancy, plumpness and clarity from the grenache, mouth-filling roundness from the shiraz, and that plush, earthy base that is mataro. All varieties here perform in each other's presence. This is wonderful – licorice, dark chocolate, raspberry, pomegranate, blueberries, cloves, hung deli meat... it's a feast. Three trophies at the 2021 International Wine Challenge.

95 points Erin Larkin winecompanion.com.au

Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend GSM from Clare Valley is a robust and balanced wine that brings together the rich flavors of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro (Mourvèdre). Named after the Baudinet family, who played a significant role in Clare Valley’s wine industry, this blend exemplifies Kilikanoon’s commitment to crafting wines with character and depth. Clare Valley’s warm days and cool nights are ideal for ripening these varieties, producing a GSM blend with vibrant fruit expression and elegant structure.

Winemaker Kevin Mitchell’s hands-on approach is evident in the meticulous selection and blending process that goes into the Baudinet GSM. The wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, which adds subtle complexity and rounds out the tannins while preserving the intensity of the fruit. Each varietal is carefully vinified to capture its unique qualities, resulting in a blend that harmonizes the boldness of Shiraz, the brightness of Grenache, and the earthy complexity of Mataro.

The Baudinet Blend GSM reveals aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and plum, complemented by hints of spice, licorice, and leather. On the palate, it is full-bodied with flavors of dark cherry, red berries, and a touch of pepper, balanced by fine tannins and a smooth, lingering finish. This GSM blend captures Clare Valley’s potential for expressive and finely crafted red wines, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate a layered and sophisticated wine.