Penfolds Cellar Reserve wines are alternative, limited release wines that explore the innovative boundaries of viticulture, vinification and style.
Cellar Reserve Tempranillo is sourced exclusively from McLaren Vale and is a unique Australian expression of this Spanish grape variety. Displaying typical fruit characteristics of berries, liquorice, spice and nectar, extended maturation in seasoned French oak has added great complexity to the palate.
Varietal | Tempranillo |
---|---|
Vintage | 2016 |
Country | Australia |
Region | McLaren Vale |
Volume | 750 mL |
Closure | Cork |
Alc/Vol | 14% |
Peak Drinking | Now - 2029 |
Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
Inviting. With air - nori, kelp notes arise ... wet and fresh.All intermersed with flashes of sesame seed, black liquorice, aniseed, nougat & nutty (pistachio) praline. Beneath, and almost concealed -agave syrup (not tequila!) & coal tar.A subtle oak huskiness evident?
Medium to full-bodied.Familial and singular flavours from the local candy store - Dutch liquorice; and the nearby Chinese Restaurant - candied fennel.Well-concealed tannins –overladen by apricot (Bellini, and/or white nectarine?) nectar –pulpy and fresh.Tempered acidity and oak; balanced.
McLaren Vale lies nestled between the Mt Lofty Ranges and the rolling white sand beaches of Gulf St Vincent. With its warm Mediterranean climate, relaxed coastal ambience and superb local produce, McLaren Vale is a melting pot of food, wine and the arts: the ultimate epicurean destination. The region is renowned for its soft and velvety Shiraz, with pronounced berry, spice and chocolate flavours.
McLaren Vale recorded below average temperatures during winter and early spring. May enjoyed the highest rainfall of any month but it was still below the long-term average. Record low rainfall prevailed through the growing season. Warmer weather in late spring and early summer ensured the vines were moving along at pace after a slow start. Some relief was provided by the onset of cooler weather in January and February. The relatively mild conditions during harvest ensured the fruit was able to ripen evenly developing lovely varietal flavours and firm tannins.
Key to the success of Penfolds has been a lineage of visionary winemakers. There have only ever been four Chief Winemakers at the helm of Penfolds – Max Schubert, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, each a custodian of a rich winemaking tradition that goes back for more than 170 years.
Our current Penfolds winemaking team has more than 100 years between them as Penfolds winemakers. They are constantly refining and improving their work, whilst honouring the winemaking techniques of their predecessors.