Katnook’s top-of-the-line Cab, the Odyssey, already seems mature, with a touch of brick to its color and some dried fruit flavors. But even if this won’t improve further, it’s at a lovely spot right now, with a lush, creamy texture, pillowy-soft tannins and wonderful cedar and cigarbox notes. Drink now–2010.
— J.C.
(2/1/2008)
Aromas are of roasted meat and tobacco. It’s just an excellent wine, the oak overlay giving just enough flavor and patina to deep, liquerish blackberry flavors. “Cigar box” is a descriptor I don’t get to use often when talking about Oz wine, but it’s appropriate here. Finishes long. Give the wood a little more time to integrate, then enjoy. Drink 2007–2013…
— D.T.
(10/1/2005)
Bloody coloring portends the rich aromas of gamy meat, cayenne, currants and golden raisins. The thick, jammy fruit extends to the palate, with the added nuance of brown sugar, which holds on the long finish. As satisfying as a slab of chocolate cheesecake, but will likely age longer. —K.F.
— K.F.
(3/1/2003)
This wine's a testament to how pretty, ripe New World fruit doesn't need to be overdone with toasty oak to be excellent. Nose is deep and earthy, and the earthy-dustiness carries over to the palate, where there's a surge of fruit-sweet, chewy plum and berry fruit. Blackberry, plum, and clay linger on the finish.
— D.T.
(12/31/2004)
Excellent in large part for being quite different from other Shirazes: This one offers an overarching exotic quality, which manifests itself as spice on the palate, and as pipe tobacco, fireplace and black licorice on the nose. Smooth tannins in the middle, with a little toast and black pepper toward the back end. Imported by Freixenet USA.
— D.T.
(6/1/2006)
Salinity, charcoal, hickory smoke, leather and brown sugar aromas blend well with the flavors of juicy, ripe red plums and raspberries. Overall, this is dark, spicy, full. Sure to please any Shiraz fan. —K.F.
— K.F.
(3/1/2003)
Textbook Coonawarra Cabernet, with touches of minty herbs embellishing cassis and cedar. It’s medium-bodied, with a refined tannic structure and touches of smoke on the finish. This comes out of the bottle a little stinky at first, so decant for an hour or so prior to serving; with air, it’s fine. Drink now–2012.
— J.C.
(2/1/2008)
Katnook’s Prodigy Shiraz is full bodied and creamy in texture, combining authentic Shiraz aromas and flavors with easy-drinking, open-knit appeal. Scents of tar, black olive and blackberry give way to flavors of red peppercorn and mixed berry. Drink now–2018.
— J.C.
(2/1/2013)