Bottled under cork (bearing moniker and vintage). Embossed, tall and stoutly shouldered bottle. Does not leave any doubt as to intent.

Katnook Estate, Prodigy, Shiraz, Coonawarra, 2012

Rightfully maintains a place in the upper echelon of the Coonawarra Shiraz hierarchy.  Almost impenetrable. A wine that doesn’t relinquish its hand early. Opulent young chary oak provides an armour to raspberry, blueberry, Tegan blue plum, chocolate coated Turkish Delight, pink peppercorns and ink. Fruit feels like a double hand push to the chest before it turns: roasted coffee bean essence lingers over mezzo-forte acidity and an underblanket of sandy tannins. This appears brutish, but ensures the finish is rose petal floral and before setting off for the long haul. 15 years plus in the cellar. One for the quintessential “big red” lovers or a cellar staple.

RRP: $100
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 18.25/20

Wine sample courtesy of Katnook Estate