Penny's Hill The Specialized Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2017
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
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A seamless wine showing an array of dark plum, blueberry and cherry with hints of cedar, dried herb and anise all adding complexity on the nose. The palate continues to shine and offers flavorsome, spicy Shiraz fruit, balanced perfectly by fine, long Cabernet Sauvignon tannins and soft, juicy Merlot flavors. The French oak is finely balanced to add depth and class to produce a wine with persistence and poise.
Blend: 50% Shiraz, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 50% Shiraz, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot, Penny's Hill's 2017 The Specialized Shiraz Cabernet Merlot offers up scents of cassis and blackberry intertwined with hints of mint and vanilla. An attractive, medium to full-bodied blend, it balances the ripeness of Shiraz with the restraint of Cabernet, finishing silky and long.
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James Suckling
Quite intense dark plums and berries here with light espresso notes. The palate has very supple, rounded and well-structured style with plenty of dark-fruit flavors. Smooth tannins.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.