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2008 Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Coonawara (Australia), Australia

Winery: Penley Estate

Availability

Available in Consignment

Background

Penley Estate was established in 1988 by Kym Tolley a direct descendant of two pioneer Australian winemaking families, Penfolds and Tolley. Since being established Penley Estate has gained a reputation for producing wines of elegance and finesse showcasing regional and varietal characteristics. Penley Estate has won 48 trophies and over 800 medals, including 145 Gold and has been described as 'One of the best wineries in Coonawarra' by Australia Wine Writer, James Halliday.

Tasting Notes

The colour is bright crimson with hints of dark purple due to its oak maturation and specific handling techniques. The fragrant aroma consists of violets, ripe wild berry and integrated spice of the Cabernet grape with strong varietal character typical of the 2008 Coonawarra vintage. The aromas are of blackberry and cassis. Distinct blackberry/ blackcurrant (Cassis) flavours, the characteristic of a good Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon. Mulberry and blackberry are dominant fruit flavours enhanced by a young tight palate with silky grape tannin and elegant complex cedar oak, so typical of the Penley Style. A wine that is closer to full bodied with more grape and oak tannins but still maintains beautiful balance.

Vinification

The oak is minimal but discernible. The small amount of wood tannin and fruit flavours will aid maturation if required. Best enjoyed for next 1 to 5 years. Premium wine must have the ability for some bottle age, since there is sometimes 1 to 2 years between bottling and actual drinking.

Maturation

Reviews

Rating: 91 points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion (2007 vintage)
"A fragrant bouquet of spicy red and dark fruits, then a medium-bodied palate with bright cassis-accented fruit; good tannins and length."

Rating: 89 points - Jay Miller, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (2007 vintage)
"The 2007 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon spent 18 months in 25% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up aromas of balsam wood, cassis, and blackberry. On the palate, this fleshy effort has plenty of ripe, succulent fruit, lots of spice, and excellent length. It delivers a lot of wine for the money."