Trio of new vintages from the heart of Coonawarra
26th May 2008
Three new wines have been released by winemaker Wayne Stehbens - Katnook Estate Chardonnay 2005, Katnook Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 and Katnook Founder’s Block Merlot 2005.
Stehbens explains the philosophy behind the Katnook Estate and Katnook Founder’s Block wines: “The Katnook Estate range is best described as ‘Classic Coonawarra’ – wines with elegance, finesse and good cellaring potential. The Katnook Founder’s Block range sits under the Estate range in price and offers fruit focused wines for immediate enjoyment or short term cellaring.”
KATNOOK ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2005 ($28)
This wine shows all the elegance and richness associated with cool climate Coonawarra. The outstanding 2005 vintage was long, dry and cooler than average. The resulting fruit was rich and full flavoured, with high natural acid.
Once fermentation started, the juice was transferred to French oak barriques, where it completed ferment and matured for 18 months. It underwent partial malolactic fermentation in oak while on yeast lees.
The wine shows an enticing array of ripe stone fruit with subtle, nutty oak flavours. These complex characters will benefit with up to 7 years cellaring.
KATNOOK FOUNDER’S BLOCK MERLOT 2005 ($19)
Stehbens believes the quality of Katnook wines from 2005 equals that of 2000.
Harvested in late April, this vintage of Merlot matured in primarily in American oak barriques, 10% of which were new, for 18 months. The final wine is offers a generous palate with red berries and fine lingering tannins.
KATNOOK FOUNDER’S BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 ($19)
Coming from the cooler 2006 vintage, this wine boasts classic Coonawarra mint flavours. The 2006 is a strong follow on from the acclaimed 2005 Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon.
After fermentation, this wine matured in American oak, 15% of which was new, for a period of 12 months. Attractive redcurrant and cherry flavours underline the mint. Subtle, cedary oak adds a touch of complexity to the fruit flavours.
All three wines are available at selected restaurants and independent retailers Australia wide.
Contact distributor Mezzanine Wine on telephone 1300 555 821 for stockists.
