South Australia, Australia, Rotwein, Shiraz 0.75 l
"There's so much going on in the glass; it's a stormy opera with a big cast," writes David Sly in his Decanter rating, which, like James Halliday, Robert Parker and Falstaff, is 98 to 99 points. The wine fits seamlessly into the great vintages of this decade. The cuvée of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect in every respect. The wood with its oak notes, coconut and vanilla is still very much to the fore. As is the fleshy fruit of blackberries, plums and raspberries. But you can already perceive the finer notes of spices, herbs and liquorice. On the palate, the freshness and immense density, concentration and richness of detail are immediately apparent. This is a wine that will develop over decades.
The place of origin and "spiritual home" of the Penfolds Winery is the Magill Estate, just a few minutes from Adelaide. in 1844, Christopher and Mary Jenfeld planted vine cuttings that they had taken with them on their trip to Australia.