There is surprisingly very little information revealed about this wine, even by Penfolds. I will ask them to provide further data, to share with you, lucky readers of Social Vignerons. One thing is clear though, it is made from Adelaide Hills fruit, a relatively cool area of South Australia and historic home land of Penfolds. As the name indicates, Adelaide Hills wine region surrounds the city of Adelaide, between the Barossa Valley in the North and McLaren Vale in the South.
For background information about the producer, see Penfolds’ profile page.
Appearance: Dark red. Slightly purple. Can’t see through. Dark but not thick or oily. Legs are thin.
Nose: Before agitation, a mixture of sour elements: black olive, cocoa powder, ground coffee, with a hint of black pepper and dark fruit: blackberry and ripe plum. With agitation, the wine liberates its intense spicy peppery notes, hints of oaky aromas: vanilla, clove, wood-fire smoke. Straight out of the bottle at least, the fruit stays shy on the nose but one can guess the purple plum and blackberry jam notes. A mysterious yet attractive nose that makes you want to explore further what the wine has to offer with a sip, a good sign!
Palate: The texture of the wine is very balanced. Of course, there’s plenty of tannins, this is a rich wine, but they are rather round, soft and meaty, not drying or overpowering the palate. A good acidity and right amount of body to counter the richness and alcohol of the wine. The wine develops smoothly on the palate. The wine holds well, no surprise, no spikes in the texture. You’re left with the good impression that the wine drinks well. Slight bitterness on the finish, from oak probably that gives the wine an enjoyable savoriness.
Flavors on the palate: oak and spices: pepper, dominant clove aroma, surrounded only subtly by fresh red fruit. Strawberry and raspberry. The wine feels young. the fruit is restrained.
Conclusion: A very good wine. A safe buy, yet very enjoyable for an affordable price. Good Aussie Shiraz on the cool-climate-side-of-Oz, bringing the pepperiness and richness without the expected heaviness and jamminess. It is very well-made and predominantly savoury which is not that common out of Australian Shiraz. There is not much sweetness, but touches of enjoyable ripe fruit flavors.
Check out Penfolds site.
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