For 175 years, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. This foundation has driven us since the very beginning and with each generation of custodians it is celebrated. As we mark our 175th year, Penfolds honours those who defined our history. Christopher Rawson Penfold began it all. A doctor, with an eye for winemaking, he and his wife Mary sought a new calling in Australia. They found it in Magill Estate. Here, Christopher planted vines and set in motion philosophies that would remain with Penfolds to this day. This full-bodied wine with its ripe fruit aromas, voluminous richness and subtle oak spice, is dedicated to him.
Varietal | Shiraz |
---|---|
Vintage | 2017 |
Country | Australia |
Region | Multi-Region Blend |
Volume | 750 mL |
Enclosure | Screw Cap |
Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
Peak Drinking | Now - 2030 |
Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
90 points | Huon Hooke |
Huon Hooke
"Deep red/purple colour, with a reserved but clean chocolaty bouquet and a full-bodied, rich, nicely rounded palate, which is smooth and supple and yet full-bodied and ample. The wine is generous and approachable and also has a future in the cellar."
Aromatic notes of warm spice and rich dark red fruits.
Complexing subtle oak notes of sandalwood and cedar arise.
Home to the oldest vines in the country, and no less than 18 wine growing regions, South Australia accounts for almost 50% of Australia’s wine production. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Coonawarra are well known for their world class reds, with Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Eden Valley praised for their exceptional Chardonnay and Riesling.
Plentiful winter and spring rainfall offered the vines across South Australia healthy soil moisture profiles for the growing season. Cool conditions slowed vine growth in early spring with temperatures eventually warming in October. The lower than average temperatures and abundant rainfall during the growing season produced a vintage that challenged both winemakers and viticulturists alike. There was little need for irrigation until deep into summer. Weather conditions during ripening were generally dry with prevailing conditions favouring fully ripened grapes with well-developed colours and flavours. Most shiraz vineyards were harvested a month later than average.
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.