The Epic Continues
20th October 2008
Katnook Estate has released limited quantities of its new vintages flagship wines - the 2004 Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon and 2005 Prodigy Shiraz. In light of growing international acceptance of cork alternatives, for the first time these wines are sealed under Lux (hidden thread) screw cap.
2004 Katnook Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon , RRP $98.
Winemaker Wayne Stehbens is single minded in his philosophy for Odyssey, stating “I aim not only to capture the essence of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon but to define it.”
The 2004 Coonawarra vintage was ideal - with cool, dry conditions during veraison and harvest. The season yielded ripe fruit flavour with a generous palate structure and soft tannin. The power of the fruit was such that the wine aged for 3 years in 40% new French and 42% new American oak barriques. Other barrels were second-fill and predominantly French oak. Cellaring potential is up to 10 years.
Since first released in 1996, Odyssey has garnered numerous international trophies and accolades, including a place in the “Outstanding” category of Langton’s Classification IV. It is also recently listed in the 2008 edition of “1001 Wines You Must Try Before You Die.”
2005 Katnook Prodigy Shiraz, RRP$98.
The first vintage of Prodigy from young vines was in 1997. This wine went on to win the Jimmy Watson trophy. Wayne Stehbens has as much faith in Coonawarra Shiraz as he does in Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, saying “Shiraz may be more challenging in Coonawarra but when it all comes together, Coonawarra Shiraz truly comes into its own. I am confident the 2005 Prodigy supports this.” The 2005 is Prodigy at its best - a heady wine, with dark berry fruit, hints of liquorice and fine oak tannins.
2005 was an outstanding vintage, with a long dry, cooler than average summer. Fruit for this wine was harvested from a small vineyard site that consistently produces outstanding Shiraz fruit. The wine was matured for 24 months in new and seasoned French (30%) and American (70%) barriques. Suggested cellaring is 15 years.
Both wines are available Australia wide through Mezzanine Wine Distributors www.mezzaninewine.com.au
