Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Penfolds
Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Penfolds
Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Overview
Overview
Penfolds Quantum Bin 98 is the continuation of a more than 30-year endeavour from when Australian vine cuttings were planted in Californian soil. A Wine of the World that encapsulates a bold blending alliance, Quantum reveals a wine that shows wisdom, crafted with conviction but also embedded in the ‘quality-first’ philosophy that underpins Penfolds flagships.
The wines serves as a powerful expression of our blending style and leads the charge in Penfolds ambition to seek out parcels of intense flavour, structural tannins, and equal parts grace and complexity. Northern and Southern Hemispheres bring prized Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and pedigreed Shiraz from South Australia, respectively, into each other’s realm. Not adhering to expectations and de rigueur.
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Region | Multi Region |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Closure | Cork |
| Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
| Peak Drinking | 2027-2055 |
| Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
Awards and Accolades
Awards and Accolades
| 97 Points | Nick Ryan |
Nick Ryan
"Some violet and leaf, cassis and cedar. A soft waxiness. Dark chocolate, plum, blackberry. Layered, finely etched. Proustian length, Joycean complexity. 97 Points."
Taste Description
Taste Description
Nose
Instantly expressive, a gentle swirl reveals an array of heady aromatics. Sweet notes arrive first... Custard zabaglione, cherry cola, Danish pastries, and toasted brûlée crust. Wafts of dried herbs, sage, and nut-brown butter, seared sweetbreads and tarragon jus. The aromas are punchy, with warmth and generosity.
Flavours and Palate
The wine is fresher and more buoyant than the nose. The influence of oak contributes to its creaminess and length while never dipping into excess. Flavours of Mediterranean antipasto, roasted tomato sugo, and confit duck are present. The tannins are grainy, suggesting they are oak-derived, and dark cocoa powder adds to the length and power. Sweet frangipane tart and freshly baked croissant round out the palate. A multifaceted wine with layers of flavour waiting to unfurl over the next 40 years.
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Vintage Conditions
The 2021 Napa Valley vintage stands out for its exceptional quality, with some of the finest fruit harvested in years. The season was ushered in with beneficial early winter rains that established a foundation for grapevine growth. These rains were followed by a notably dry period, creating optimal conditions for vine development. Budbreak commenced in early April, leading to an ideal flowering and bloom in May. As summer unfolded, the vines benefited from a pattern of early and consistent ripening, with veraison marking the onset of grape maturation in early July. Although yields were on the lower side - partly a consequence of drought conditions - the resulting fruit was concentrated with intense flavours and smaller berries. The season’s moderate temperatures played a pivotal role, fostering an extended and uniform ripening process. Winemakers exercised patience, carefully timing the harvest to ensure peak maturity. This deliberate approach culminated in wines that are not only vibrant and richly hued but also boast remarkable aromatic depth and robust structure.
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.