Katnook Reds for Winter

Best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra has for many decades quietly offered equally impressive Shiraz. Think Wynns Michael and our own Katnook Prodigy which, upon its inaugural release, collected the 1998 Jimmy Watson trophy.

Looking back to Coonawarra’s first commercial vintage in 1896 made by John Riddoch and William Salter in the Katnook woolshed, it is clear that Shiraz was just as, if not more important than Cabernet Sauvignon.   Why is it then, that the elegant, spicy Shiraz styles from the fabled terra rossa are lesser known and therefore made in lower quantities?

Tasting our new release Katnook Founder’s Block Shiraz 2015 (RRP $20) and the current release Katnook Estate Shiraz 2012 ($40) may shine some light on this, especially when compared against our biggest selling wine Katnook Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon (new release RRP $20).  Technical details for each wine follow.

KATNOOK FOUNDER’S BLOCK SHIRAZ 2015.  RRP $20

Grape Variety          Shiraz

Region                    Coonawarra

Harvest                   26th March – 15th April 2014

pH                          3.5

Acidity                    6.05 g/L

Alc/vol                    13.5%

Vintage                   The 2015 vintage was dry with below average rainfall.          

Oak Maturation       A combination of older French and American oak barriques for three months.

Cellaring Potential   Enjoy now or will cellar well up to five

KATNOOK FOUNDER’S BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014.  RRP $20

Grape Variety          Cabernet Sauvignon

Region                    Coonawarra

Harvest                   March - April 2014

pH                          3.4

Acidity                    6.3g/L

Alc/vol                    13.5%

Vintage                   The 2014 vintage was noted for its dry, mild conditions and below average rainfall. These dry conditions continued right through the growing season and produced red wines that have great colour and fine tannins.

Oak Maturation       27 percent of this wine was matured for four months in a combination of French and American oak barriques.

Cellaring Potential   Enjoy now or cellar for up to five

KATNOOK ESTATE SHIRAZ 2012. RRP $40

Coonawarra’s 2012 vintage was characterised by above average temperatures and below average rainfall. The warm and dry conditions produced ripe, full bodied reds with generous fruit, deep colour and fine, lingering tannins. The abundant fruit and structure of these wines ensure strong cellaring potential.

Grape Variety          Shiraz

Region                    Coonawarra

Harvest                   15th – 22nd March 2012

pH                          3.29

Acidity                    6.46g/L

Alc/vol                    13.5%

Vintage                   Coonawarra’s 2012 vintage was marked by above average temperatures and below average rainfall. Harvest was amongst the earliest starts on record. The warm, dry conditions accelerated development and contributed to a very early harvest of Shiraz. These conditions produced fruit in excellent condition at near optimum maturity.

Oak Maturation       Matured for approximately 15 months in a combination of French and American oak Barrels. All of these barrels were mostly two years old.

Cellaring Potential   This wine will age gracefully for 15 years.