2024 Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend GSM, Clare Valley

This is a blend that shows the distinct influence of the slightly cooler climes from the high vineyard on the eastern ridge of the Clare Valley. It is so seamlessly structured, with perfectly integrated and weighted fruit, oak and tannins. It’s silky smooth and almost effortlessly poised. Medium-bodied, but with tremendous depth of fruit, showing those vibrant floral notes. A wonderful example of this combination. Drink 2026-2038.

96 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot, February 2026

The Baudinet takes its name from Bruce Baudinet, a partner in Kilikanoon whose vineyard on the eastern ridge of Clare Valley supplies the Shiraz and Mataro for the blend. The Grenache comes from Kilikanoon's own sites across the valley. This is a wine built on a genuine partnership and the three varieties come together with synergy and completeness.

Clare Valley GSM is its own thing. The cool nights, the continental climate and the structured soils keep Grenache aromatic and precise rather than jammy, Shiraz spiced and perfumed rather than heavy, and Mataro earthy and savoury rather than rustic. Fifteen months in French puncheons and hogsheads with only 7% new oak — the wood is there to frame, not dominate.

Deep garnet, the nose is lifted and complex — red and dark fruits, dried thyme, earth and a dusting of chocolate spice. The palate is medium-bodied and supple with real texture, grainy tannins and a long, savoury finish. More detail and structure than the Killerman's Run GSM, and worth the extra patience.

Lamb shoulder, slow-cooked pork, a good beef tagine or a mezze with strong flavours. Opens up well with an hour in a decanter.

Drink now through 2031.