Penley Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

BN#262108

Penley Estate

This classic Australian red wine captures and enhances the distinctive characters of Coonawarra. These characters are highlighted by berry tones with a great length and depth of flavor. The complex characters of this wine show intensity and layered depth. To achieve this style it is important to have harmony between fruit intensity, oak tannin, grape tannin and acid. Objective for the Penley style is harmony and balance. The color is bright with deep crimson and some purple tints. The aroma has hints of wild berry and violet characters with richness of fruit due to ideal weather and low yields. The aroma has strong smoky oak tones and a touch of spice, which highlight the intense nature of the Penley style. The desired level of sugar and flavour was reached. The palate is rich and muscular with sweet berry flavors and strong oak and grape tannins which will develop with bottle age and soften giving the wine a silkier texture. The key elements in this wine are its rich varietal flavours, choice of oak types, finely tuned acid and astringency. The use of 100% French Troncais oak has added depth and complexity. It spent 25 months in this oak and this is a key element to the wine’s integration and development. Bottled in July 2007. Best defined as medium to full bodied wine from a great year.

Wine Advocate

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve delivers aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, black currant, and blackberry jam. Full-flavored, savory, and plush on the palate, this impressive effort has enough stuffing to evolve for several more years. It will be at its best from 2011 to 2022.

Score: 93. —Jay Miller, February 2009.

Wine Spectator

A generous red, showing real transparency to the cherry, currant and delicate sage, white pepper and cream notes flitting through as the fruit lingers elegantly. A seamless wine that's built to last. Drink now through 2015.

Score: 92. —Harvey Steiman, October 15, 2008.