Cellar Reserve Tempranillo 2018
Penfolds
Cellar Reserve Tempranillo 2018
Penfolds
Cellar Reserve Tempranillo 2018
Overview
Overview
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 | 2018 |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | McLaren Vale |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Closure | Cork |
| Alc/Vol | 14% |
| Peak Drinking | Now - 2030 |
| Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
Food Pairing
Food Pairing
Lamb
Pasta
Pizza
Spicy Food
BBQ
Taste Description
Taste Description
Nose
Plum paste and sarsaparilla with pork crackling and prosciutto. Lifted spice aromatics of cinnamon and nutmeg are redolent of a Moroccan bakery. There is a suggestion of graphite and steel on whetstone. Dark cherries and strawberry bramble round out the fruit aromatics. An exotic amalgam that entices you in for more.
Flavours and Palate
Plum, wild cherry and cranberry are varietal markers, complimented by rosemary, fennel and sage earthy tones. On the palate the graphite and steel aromatics emerge ferric and slaty. There is a saline, film-like texture with supple tannins that build over time. A wine in need of Tapas!
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
McLaren Vale, South Australia
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.
Vintage Conditions
The growing season in McLaren Vale was well set up by generous winter rainfall. The dry spring kept the vigour in check with budburst occurring in early September. It was mostly dry and warm during December and January, with a nice even veraison. Early February was hot, which sped up ripening. However, moderate temperatures during midFebruary slowed ripening slightly delaying harvest. A burst of warmer weather in late February and early March finished the Tempranillo grapes nicely with fruit displaying bright colours and great flavour. An excellent vintage for the varietal and the region overall.
The Penfolds Team
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.