WTN: Katnook Odyssey, Firriato Santagostino, Don Melchor

Short notes from a dinner at Mezzaluna with Johnny, Arnie and Helen

Katnook Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 1999 - Very dark. Full bodied with lots of concentrated fruit preserve character although not really all that sweet. Smooth. Caramel, coffee. Candyish finish. Good wine but nicer with food.

Firriato Santagostino Nero d'Avola/Syrah Sicily 2003 - Leather at first and just below that, sulfur that stayed throughout our drinking the wine. Berry, dried fruit and dried herbs. Dryish finish.Very flavorful, gutsy wine. Went very nicely with the lamb.

Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - Creamy oak. Lots of sweet fruit. Medium bodied. Initially smooth but airing brings out the tannins. Plum and tobacco. Nicely balanced and ready to drink. Very forward wine. Very good

Nice notes on some wines available over here/up here!!! Food sounds great too, need to buy some lamb today.

I spent the good part of a day at Katnook. I was impressed with their operation and their wines across the board.

[Jenise]

I spent the good part of a day at Katnook. I was impressed with their operation and their wines across the board.

Ditto, but make that "unimpressed". Found the wines highly extracted and jammy across the board. I presumed that was the house style and have avoided them ever since. Something must have changed since '98.

hat may be because viticulturist Chris Brodie joined their team in 1997. He is fascinating to listen to, and he tends the grapes like a mother hen. A most delightful chap.