1997 Katnook Estate Prodigy Shiraz

Katnook is an aboriginal term meaning “fat land.” And the aboriginal natives of Coonawarra in the far south east of South Australia called the area “fat land” because of the rich, fertile, red soils. Katnook is a historic winery. In the late 19th century Scottish immigrant John Riddoch, a farmer, started growing fruit there, including grapes for wine. In 1971 the Yunghanns family purchased the 300-acre estate and replanted vines, using Riddoch’s original stone shed for housing their oak barrels. By 1980 they were making wine under the Katnook Estate label and within a decade the estate was winning awards for its Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2008 the estate was purchased by the Frexinet Group, and today the estate makes a full portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. It is the second largest producer in the region and James Halliday, Australia’s dean of wine reviewing, rates Katnook as a 5 Star winery, his highest rating.

South Australia is the nation’s most important wine region. South Australia is to Australia what California is to the U.S. About half of Australia’s wine comes from South Australia and many of the country’s most acclaimed producers are there. Wineries based in South Australia include Penfolds Grange, Torbreck, Amon Ra, Henschke and Jacob’s Creek. The prestigious Barossa Valley is located in South Australia, and is often compared to Napa Valley because it is gorgeous topography covered in grape vines. First farmed by 19th century German-speakers who immigrated from what is now Poland, the Barossa Valley is the crown jewel of the region. South Australia has widely varying climates, from very hot, dry areas to cooler, high altitude areas. There are more than 150,000 acres of vineyards in South Australia, with more being planted each month. Shiraz is king, though the region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Semillon.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.