The Auswine Forum

One winery I haven't read much about on here is Katnook.

I've got a couple of bottles each of their 98 & 99 reds based on good reviews I've read. Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. I'm planning on waiting another 3-5 years especially for the Cabernet based on those reviews.

What's the general consensus on these wines and the winery in general?

The standard Cab 98 was excellent and their 99 just as good. Tried their Merlot 98, wasnt too impressed. They also made a flagship "Odyssey", very ripe and lush.
Was on my buying radar in the mid-90s but now my preference have shifted over to Murdock(almost similar $) and Balnaves(for value)

I haven't had many Katnook wines before, however I did try their 2001 Cab Sav recently, and really liked it. I've been trying a few 2001 Coonawarra Cabs recently and this is one of my favourites so far (as well as Majella).


Bill

Ratty, Katnook is a label you can buy with confidence, they are reaping the rewards of early vineyard renovation and haven't missed a beat in recent years producing a string of excellent Cabernets and a fairly good Shiraz in most years.

If you're just discovering Coonawarra, Katnook, Majella, Balnaves, Murdock and Zema are IMO the best at present all with good and consistent recent form in their standard labels.

At double plus the price of the standard label, most have flagship wines which are generally excellent but hard to justify the extra money when the standards are so good.

Ratcatcher wrote:One winery I haven't read much about on here is Katnook.

I've got a couple of bottles each of their 98 & 99 reds based on good reviews I've read. Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. I'm planning on waiting another 3-5 years especially for the Cabernet based on those reviews.

What's the general consensus on these wines and the winery in general?

The 98 Katnook Cab Sav for me drank great from the off, however I've stuck a couple of bottles away for a long nap. Will be interesting to see how they emerge in a few years time.

Not sure if the change of ownership has impacted - not heard any comment, so assume not.

Ian, Katnook hasn't had a change of ownership, it's still in the Wingara Wine Group stable.

I think you're confusing it with Parker Estate which changed hands to the Rathbone family who also own Yering Station and Langi Ghiran. On this particular change of ownership I don't think it will affect the already lofty level of Parker wines, the Rathbones have done great things at Yering Station.

707 wrote:Ian, Katnook hasn't had a change of ownership, it's still in the Wingara Wine Group stable.

I think you're confusing it with Parker Estate which changed hands to the Rathbone family who also own Yering Station and Langi Ghiran. On this particular change of ownership I don't think it will affect the already lofty level of Parker wines, the Rathbones have done great things at Yering Station.

Maybe not a complete change of ownership, but Freixinet (Spanish Cava people) bought 60% (according to Halliday 2004). I'm assuming he's correct...

Ian

Apologies Ian, that one has slipped past me. I'll check it out just to make sure Halliday knows what he's on about!!

Nothing appears to have changed at winery level, I don't think new owners would want to change a winning formula.......unless you're Southcorp!

Ratcatcher, I had the 1999 Katnook shiraz nearly a year ago and it was fabulous. Have had a number of Katnooks over the last 5 years and they have always been excellent.

My tasting notes for the 1999 shiraz...

Feb 2004
Medium to deep inky red/purple.
Lovely intense spicey dark berry fruit and chocolate/licorice nose
Beautiful zesty medium bodied palate with full fruit flavours and long finish. Drinking beautifully now but should dev a little more and hold well. Give 2 years.
96