This has always been a budget-friendly wine that over-delivers on great vintages, and 2021 was an excellent vintage. With a string of 92 Pt ratings, I was keen to get this in the glass and find out where this was up to, with 4 years under the belt.
The name was conceived by Reginald Lester Tolley and Judith Anne Penfold Hyland (yes that Penfolds) in 1947 after they married but did not come to life until 1988 when their Phoenix Cabernet won a Gold Medal at the Adelaide Wine Show in 1989. The grapes were sourced from a block they purchased in Coonawarra. Just a side note, this region is renowned for producing some of the best Cabernet in the world. One sip, and you will agree.
Fast forward to 2016 when Kate Goodman, ‘winemaker of the Year in 2024’ – Wine Companion, joined the winery. Her history runs through Wirra Wirra (McLaren Vale), Tim Kanppstein (Clare Valley), Seppelt (Great Western), and Punt Road (Yarra Valley), and is considered one of Australia’s best.
OK, let’s get to the wine …
Delightful aromas of black fruits- blackberries and black currants with hints of floral notes, eucalyptus, and herbs.
The palate is fresh and energetic, with a smooth, inviting mouthfeel and an invitation to delve deeper. Enticing layers of juicy blackberries and currants dominate without being over-ripe- nice restraint and balance. Secondary notes of plum, black cherry, mint, pepper, eucalyptus, and tea. Lovely length on the finish with tannins showing themselves. Nice French Oak influence- matured for 12 months in 65% seasoned French oak,
5% new French oak, and 30% in stainless steel.
This will settle and develop with further aging- out to 2035 with confidence.
This wine screams beef- prime rib roast, NY Cut Steak, Pepperoni Pizza, and grilled meats and sausages when it gets a little warmer.
Congratulations Kate Goodman, with Lauren Hansen as assistant winemaker and award-winning Viticulturist Hans Loder- great combination.
Vine to Table 