Winemaker Notes
This wine displays a soft red and purple core with a ruby rim. The nose is immediately captivating, opening with aromas of steamed fig and treacle pudding that transition into fragrant rose petals. These floral tones intertwine with the warm, buttery scents of French pastries, evoking freshly baked brioche and blueberry Danish. Core notes of boysenberry blend seamlessly with the varietal character of Cabernet and Shiraz, while a savory depth emerges through nuances of pepper-crusted ham, pastrami, and a fresh, spicy lift from green peppercorns.On the palate, the wine is creamy and soft, with bright fruit flavors that offer immediate appeal. It is finely balanced and highly drinkable. Flavors of Cherry Ripe unfold gracefully across the tongue, followed by a playful hint of strawberries and cream confections.
Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Shiraz
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
The blackberry and blackcurrant notes with hints of cedar and toasted oak are very attractive on the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied for Paso with plenty of fruit and a cool and polished texture in the finish. This is very nicely done.
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Australian Wine Companion
85/15% cabernet sauvignon/shiraz from California's Napa Valley and Paso Robles from the excellent 2021 vintage. Vibrant crimson with ripe plum and blackberry fruit of impressive depth and intensity. Hints of baking spices, violets, blueberry pie, green peppercorns, cherry clafoutis and cream oak. There's a juicy, aromatic intensity that transposes to an expressive and approachable palate shape, packed with bright, pure fruit, nicely-judged oak and a plume of fine spice on the exit.
Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. Their success has been driven by a lineage of visionary winemakers. It began with Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold, the pioneers who dreamed big, inventing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. It continued with celebrated winemaking legends including Max Schubert, who pushed the development to extraordinary, bold new heights. It is this pioneering spirit and curiosity that still rings true after nearly two centuries, it is what has helped Penfolds become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!