Coonawarra’s 2012 Katnook Shiraz has taken out the title of Best Australian Wine at the 18th annual Japan Wine Challenge.
The result places the drop into the top five percent of almost 1,400 wines entered from over 28 countries. In addition to the trophy, the Katnook Estate 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and Katnook Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 were also both awarded a silver medal.
“Such international recognition supports my long held belief that Coonawarra Shiraz is just as exciting as its more famous counterpart, Cabernet Sauvignon,” says Katnook’s Senior Winemaker, Wayne Stehbens.
“In ideal vintage conditions, such as those presented in 2012, our region yields elegant Shiraz, with a hint of white pepper and plenty of mid palate flavour. These wines age gracefully over 10-15 years”
The Japan Wine Challenge is Asia's oldest and most prestigious wine competition with the judging panel comprising industry heavy weights such as Anthony Rose MW (UK), David Wrigley MW (UK), Anthony Dias Blue (US), Andrew Caillard MW (Australia) and Veronique Raisin (France).
The show was chaired by Lynne Sherriff MW, chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine.
The Awards Ceremony for the Japan Wine Challenge 2015 will take place on Friday 29th January 2016 at the Conrad Tokyo Hotel.
