Winemaker Notes
Nose: The nose shows the dark, ripe, aromatic and lifted fruit characters typical of Penfolds. Aromas of Shiraz pepper and spice are completed by notes of cut plums, wild dark fruit, Black Forest Cake, liquorice and aniseed.
Palate: Flavors of cherry chocolate, plums and dark fruitcake fill the palate. The well balanced use of oak adds a creamy warm texture of vanilla and toast with a sweet mid-palate and lovely velvety tannins on the finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A pleasant medium-bodied wine, with black fruits, oak and tannins all moulded together, but without any real statement.
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Wine Spectator
Firm in texture, but refined, striking a balance between the fruit—mainly plum and cherry—and the savory elements, including mineral and star anise. Drink now through 2020. 30,000 cases imported.
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.
Though Syrah originated in the Rhône Valley of France, Australia is home to the oldest Syrah (called Shiraz here) vines on the planet. Found in Australia’s Barossa Valley, where phylloxera has never threated viticulture, these ancient vines are between 140 to 175 years old!
Having brought fame and merit to the country’s wine scene since the early 1950s, namely via the debut of Penfolds Grange, today Syrah (Shiraz) claims rank as the most widely planted grape in Australia. In fact, the amount of land dedicated to Shiraz in Australia is now almost equivalent to what it is in France. Australian Shiraz has its own personality with flavors and aromas of intense blackberry, fruitcake, menthol, tobacco leaf and umami. Conveniently one can find great Australian Shiraz at a variety of price points but the very best will be dense, gloriously complex and capable of long aging.