CWT 521 Cabernet Sauvignon Marselan 2022 Gift Box
Penfolds
CWT 521 Cabernet Sauvignon Marselan 2022 Gift Box
Penfolds
CWT 521 Cabernet Sauvignon Marselan 2022 Gift Box
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Overview
Overview
In a time-honored and distinctive Penfolds House Style, this Chinese Trial Wine combines the essence of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Shangri-la region and Marselan from Ningxia. The Shangri-la region is in the Yunnan province, one of the most beautiful locations in China. Yunnan is in the far southwest, bordering Burma, Laos and Vietnam. The high altitude of the mountainous vineyards makes ideal cool, dry conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. Ningxia is a small autonomous region in north-central China. The province has been at the forefront of modern Chinese winemaking since 1982 and has attracted significant local and international investment in vineyards and production facilities. The region benefits from a south-north ridge called Helan Mountain which protects Ningxia from extreme weather from the west. The nearby Yellow River provides precious water for irrigation, delivered by highly efficient, sophisticated dripper systems. Due to exceptionally cold winters, the vines are buried underneath the soil by the end of November, and un-covered in April of the following year, a process that protects them from the elements.
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon Marselan |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Country | China |
| Region | Multi Region |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Closure | Cork |
| Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
| Peak Drinking | Now - 2032 |
Taste Description
Taste Description
Nose
The nose is both intriguing and complex, beckoning the senses with an almost ferrous intensity that speaks to the wine's earthy terroir. Entwined within this metallic frame are layers of confectionary delight (liquorice all sorts and red pastilles) adding sweetness. Fresh fennel emerges with its aromatic aniseed charm, followed by baking spices. The savouriness deepens as notes of tomato relish interplay with pancetta and cured beef, providing depth and richness, followed by caper berries and hints of brine.
Flavours and Palate
On the palate, sumac introduces itself first, offering its signature tang that invigorates the taste buds and provides a textural counterweight to the underlying umami flavours. This paves the way for a generous core of sweet dark fruits that envelops the mouth in velvety decadence. The tannins are fine yet persistent; they are powdery by nature but resolute in structure, lending support to the robust fruit profile without dominating it. The savoury spice blend – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice – weaves through each sip, accompanied by plum succulence and fenugreek's maple-like sweetness.
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Vintage Conditions
Shangri-La enjoyed more winter rainfall than in 2021, with low ground temperatures delaying budburst by 7-10 days. The growing season was marked by above average rainfall, however August was mostly dry and sunny which provided ideal conditions for ripening cabernet sauvignon. The steady weather allowed for long hang times, ensuring good flavour and phenolic maturity. The 2022 season in Ningxia was marked by favourable growing conditions, with enough rainfall in August to elevate soil moisture profiles. Harvest yields were less than the prior two vintages, with a crop load akin to 2019. Harvest began in mid-September and was completed by early October. The Marselan grapes showed great colours and flavours.
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.