Penfolds Premium releases for 2007

Penfolds Grange Shiraz 2002



Deep, closed and brooding, with perfectly ripened aromas of dark berries, plums and typical smoky cedar/vanilla/dark chocolate Penfolds oak that become more fragrant with aeration, revealing scents of violets, cloves and cinnamon. Smooth, unctuous and exceptionally elegant for Grange, its voluptuous palate of black cherries, plums, black olives and smoky dark oak finishes with exceptional length of vibrant fruit over suggestions of minerals and vanilla. The longer it’s opened, the silkier and more ethereal it becomes, as the quality of its fine-grained tannin becomes apparent. A classic reflection of a great cool vintage. South Australia, $500 retail, approx., 19.4/97, drink 2022-2032+

Penfolds Bin 60A Cabernet Shiraz 2004



Very closed and withdrawn, but slowly unfolds deep, heady aromas of brambly small berries, cassis, violets, smoke and spice. Firm and broad-shouldered, it’s long, dark and tightly focused, revealing a seamless marriage of deep, brooding black fruits and dusty herbal undertones with drying, chalky tannins and exceptional oak. Superbly balanced and integrated, this brilliant wine actually delivers on the stellar expectations encouraged by its label. When it really opens up, it will be something to behold. And to drink! Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, $400 retail, approx., 19.7/98, drink 2034-2044+

Penfolds Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004



A smooth and effortless cabernet that is as close to perfection as a warm climate cabernet will ever become. Its ethereal, wild and heady perfume is surely cabernet’s equivalent of pinot noir. Deep aromas of cassis, black cherries, mulberries, dark plums, blackberries and smoky, cedary oak overlie a hint of tobacco and chocolate. Deeply concentrated, its plush, smooth and pliant palate of deep fruit effortlessly integrates with firm, fine-grained tannin and assertive, balanced new oak. A brilliant exercise in strength and control. Barossa Valley, $400 retail, approx., 19.6/98, drink 2034-2044+

Penfolds Cellar Reserve Cabernet Shiraz 2005



Spicy, floral and heady aromas of fresh blackberries, blueberries and cedar/dark chocolate/vanilla oak overlie dusty, earthy and almost muddy undertones. Rich and substantial, its mouthfilling palate of briary blackberry, plum and red berry fruits has a jujube-like quality and a racy, sour-edged aspect. Framed by firm, fine and drying tannins, and backed by some assertive new oak, it’s appealing and at present uncomplicated, but right on the style button for the Penfolds customer. Barossa Valley, not yet released, 18.0/93, drink 2013-2017

Penfolds Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005



Sweet, juicy and rather jammy aromas of red and black berries and smoky cedar/vanilla oak precede a supple, smooth and moderately long palate whose vibrant mulberry, redcurrant, plum and blueberry flavours are backed by creamy oak and framed by smooth, round tannins. Well-handled and uncomplicated. Barossa Valley, not yet released, 16.8/89, drink 2010-2013+

Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004



A long, seamless and very sophisticated cabernet despite its significant dimensions, structure and power. It opens with an intense violet-like perfume of aromatic cassis, blackberries and dark plums over dark chocolate and mocha-like oak, with meaty, briary undertones. Simultaneously very firm and cultivated, it’s steeped in piercing flavours of blackberries, dark plums and cassis, and backed by very smart oak and robust, pliant tannins. It’s long and savoury, with a lingering core of explosive dark fruit and dusty, dried herb-liked nuances. A genuine Bin 707. Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, $170 retail, approx., 19.2/97, drink 2024-2034+

Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2004



A classic 2004 Australian red of superb, effortless natural balance and elegance. Its deep, heady aromas of liqueur-like cassis, dark plums and berries overlie lightly smoky aromas of smallgoods, dark chocolates and vanilla, with undertones of violets, red berries and currants. Deep, juicy and concentrated, its jujube-like fruit is tightly harnessed with smooth, newish oak and supported by a firm but pliant undercarriage of drying tannins. Long and lavish, it finishes with deep, meaty fruit and lingering suggestions of licorice, spices and dried herbs. Barossa Valley, $160 retail, approx., 19.0/96, drink 2024-2034+

Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 2004



An old-fashioned shiraz of charm and personality, with a rather meaty, spicy and evolving bouquet of brandied plums, brambly small red berries, creamy dark chocolate/vanilla oak and blackberries. Its long, linear palate of piercing and pristine blackberry, redcurrant and dark cherry flavours is still closed and very tight, with undertones of dried herbs and spices. Framed by firm, bony tannins, it is beginning to smooth out, and easily soaks up some sweet newish oak. Give it time. Adelaide Metropolitan, $90 retail, approx., 18.8/95, drink 2016-2024+

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2003



Well-mannered, smooth and savoury, this rich and sumptuous shiraz delivers plenty of ripe and just very slightly baked fruit framed by typically smooth and velvet-like tannin. There’s a meaty, pungent aspect about its slightly spirity aromas of blackberries, dark plums, raspberries and prunes, while its rich, thick and smoky palate of meaty dark fruits, raisins and currants finishes savoury but surprisingly fresh and vibrant, with a lingering core of persistent flavour. Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, $80 retail, approx., 17.9/92, drink 2011-2015+

Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2004



Pristine aromas of tangerine, melon and grapefruit overlie slightly dusty, nutty, waxy and mineral nuances, with subliminal suggestions of wheatmeal and vanilla. Round and smooth, its juicy core of citrus and melon flavour is neatly trimmed by an underlying powdery minerality and a tangy, lemony acidity. Long, austere and shapely, finishing taut and stylish, it finishes with lingering a lemon sherbet-like aspect. Very classy, and made without a single barrel of new oak. Henty, $120 retail, approx., 19.0/96, drink 2009-2012+

Penfolds Reserve Bin 05A Chardonnay 2005



Floral and slightly funky aromas of melon, grapefruit and pineapple are backed by sweet vanilla, buttery and bubblegum-like oak, with underlying suggestions of lime juice and minerals. Succulent and chewy, its long, complex and savoury palate marries fresh melon and quince-like fruit with nuances of smoked meats, finishing with refreshing acidity. Adelaide Hills, $85 retail, approx., 18.3/94, drink 2010-2013 Please login to post comment