Its vineyards, planted in prime Terra Rossa soil, span 330 hectares in the heart of this comparatively small and remote region in the south east corner of South Australia. From here come red wines that have contributed to Coonawarra's international reputation and white wines with equally distinctive attributes.
Wines produced include both the Riddoch range and that named after the place itself, the prestigious Katnook Estate range. Katnook Estate wines take their name from the domain where they are grown and made. They are limited release wines of great intensity of flavour, made with fastidious attention to detail.
Fruit for these single varietal wines is specially selected from older, distinguished sites in the company's extensive vineyards. Concentrated flavours, fine balance and integrity of regional and varietal character, are all hallmarks of the Katnook Estate range which includes a Chardonnay Brut, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and most recently Shiraz. A very small quantity of dessert wine is also made when conditions are favourable.
Katnook Estate wines have an enviable record of awards. They will be found on some of the best wine lists, and in some of the finest cellars, in the world, (often with several vintages of the same variety), representing the best from Australia's renowned Coonawarra wine district.
Katnook Founder's Block wines are named after the original land holding of John Riddoch, founder of Coonawarra. In 1890 Riddoch established the Coonawarra Fruit Colony at his property "Katnook" and thus one of Australia's leading wine districts was born. In 1980 winemaker Wayne Stehbens made his first vintage on the property which was by then renamed "Katnook Estate".
Katnook's Riddoch label was launched in 1980 and named in honour of the founder of Coonawarra, John Riddoch. They are made entirely from estate grown fruit. Katnook Founder's Block is a natural progression for Katnook Estate, an introduction to Katnook Estate for many and, an informal drinking wine for Katnook Estate devotees. Riddoch wines have accumulated many awards over the years including the famous Jimmy Watson Trophy for Riddoch 1986 Cabernet Shiraz. They are widely available in Australia and internationally and represent remarkable value for those looking for a wine with the stamp of Coonawarra and the pedigree of Katnook Estate.
The aim behind Riddoch wines is to capture the essential characteristics of Coonawarra in a harmonious, early drinking, forward fruit style priced for regular enjoyment. There are seven wines in the range; Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot and a Sparkling Shiraz. The grapes for all are selectively harvested to give the winemaker an array of flavours and characters for blending.
Faldo wines were launched in 2000 and named in honour of legendary golfer Nick Faldo. They are made entirely from estate grown fruit. The winemaking team is headed by Tony Milanowski. The aim behind Faldo wines is to capture the essential characteristics of Coonawarra in a harmonious, early drinking, forward fruit style priced for regular enjoyment. There are three wines in the range: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
