Last month Katnook Estate welcomed new Senior Winemaker Tim Heath to the position after the unfortunate passing of stalwart Wayne Stehbens late 2017. Tim has an impressive resumé: 14 years at the revered Cloudy Bay winery in New Zealand and prior to that, stints at Mountadam in the Barossa Valley and vintage work at Cave de Tain-l’Hermitage in France’s Northern Rhone. The Founder’s Block series is Katnook’s entry level.

Katnook, Founder’s Block, Shiraz, Coonawarra, 2016

Sweet black berry/currant, blueberry, raspberry over coconutty oak with suggestions of umami/soy and dark chocolate. Firm, sandy, plentiful tannins push and push until they give way to black currant pastille and some dark meaty moments. The finish is medium in length and without complexity. A step up from the 2015 and good choice for the budget conscious.

RRP: $20
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 16.25/20

Wine sample courtesy of Katnook Estate