Gems in My Glass . . . June 2015
Stars Aligned in the Barossa Valley, Australia – Part 2 Anyone who has imbibed Shiraz from Australia is likely well attuned to Penfolds. This winery was established in 1844 and is going strong more than 170 years later. The meandering drive to their property in the Barossa Valley was delightful. After a warm welcome by Matt Woo (responsible for red table wines and Penfolds fortified collection), we relaxed comfortably around a private table to engage in a lively discussion and tasting. Matt grew up in New South Wales in a family passionate about food and wine. He earned a Wine Science Bachelor Degree, and is dedicated to continuing the long tradition of Penfolds wines for years to come. There is plenty of goodness to shout about here, so without further delay, let’s dive right into the wines:Penfolds Vineyards 2014 Bin 51 Riesling; Eden Valley, Australia: Stony minerality permeates the nose and palate with this intense, mineral driven Riesling. Spot on varietally correct, this wine comes from a vineyard planted in the 60’s in the Eden Valley, a richer soil than what is typical in the Barossa, Matt explains. The entry is eye opening with its vibrancy. The stream of minerality remains constant, with flavors of white peach and citrus peel at the core, elevated by a steadfast level of acidity. SRP: $30Penfolds Vineyards 2013 Reserve Bin A Chardonnay; Adelaide Hills, Australia: This whole bunch pressed Chardonnay is tightly wound with impressive complexity. Aged 9 months in 40% new and 60% one year seasoned French oak barriques with every new and seasoned French oak barrique its own unique 225-litre ferment, the quality of the oak program is clear. Layered and elegant as it flows from the glass, I appreciate the Asian pear, toasted oak undertones, hints of lemon verbena, a suggestion of butterscotch and the solid thread of minerality gracing the palate. Dynamic, well-structured and perfectly balanced through the polished finish; without question an ageworthy Chardonnay. SRP: $100Penfolds Vineyards 2013 Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay; Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, Victoria, Australia: This Chard opens with enticing tropical aromas. The palate shows off guava, pineapple, citrus and exotic spices that are spun together like an intricate, handwoven fabric. The mouthfeel is divine, and the wine remains rich yet uplifted with vibrant acidity through the tasty, lasting finish. SRP: ~$50Penfolds Vineyards 2011 Bin 28 Kalimna Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia: Aromatic flowers on the nose linger as this red fruited wine hits your lips. Raspberry, red cherry licorice whips and pomegranate juice flavors swirl on the palate with pretty herbal accents. The tannins are velvety smooth; a striking Shiraz from the challenging 2011 vintage. SRP: $40Penfolds Vineyards 2012 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz; Barossa Valley, Australia: The exquisite aromatics exude the wow factor, and it doesn’t stop there. This wine is multilayered in the mouth, where bright red and black berry fruits, spiced meat and minty accents interlace with style, beautiful richness, and purity. Complex and deep with silky tannins; a magnificently crafted wine. SRP: $80Penfolds Vineyards 2012 Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon; a multi-district blend, including fruit from Bordertown, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Robe, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully and Margaret River, Australia: Black licorice drops and wild blackberries on the nose remain focused on the palate, with layers of sweet tobacco spice, eucalyptus, cassis, black plums and well integrated oak adding further dimension. Firm tannins provide a solid backbone for this noteworthy Cabernet. SRP: $80Penfolds Vineyards 2012 Magill Estate Shiraz; Adelaide, Australia: This elegant single vineyard Shiraz enthralls the nose, delivering scents of cured meats and wild berries. Unraveling on the palate are focused flavors of raspberries, red plums, cola, savory spice and tinges of earthiness wrapped around smooth, refined tannins. Aging 15 months in 65% new French oak, 30% new and 5% seasoned American oak contributes spicy vanilla notes that linger on the persistent finish; a focused and delicious wine. SRP: $130Penfolds Vineyards 2012 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon; Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Adelaide Hills, Australia: Black currant and spice rise from the glass of this American oak aged Cab Sauvignon. Complex and deliciously mouth filling as distinct layers of blackberry, cassis, vanilla bean, caramelized sugar and plums meld with exotic Asian spices delighting the senses. Marvelously cohesive, and the precise balance of fruit, acids and firm tannins promises many additional years of enjoyment. SRP: $350Penfolds Vineyards 2010 Grange; Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Magill Estate, Australia: Crafted every year since 1951, Grange is highly acclaimed around the globe, and deservedly so. Penfolds again knocked it out of the park with this intensely weighted, extraordinary 2010 vintage. Perfumed floral and dark fruit aromas could not be more enticing. Tightly wound and complex, this classy wine exhibits well defined tiers of raspberries, purple plums, black licorice, olives, hints of smoke and eucalyptus, and fresh baked pastry flowing across the palate around a solid backbone of tannins. Finishes deep, dark and incredibly long; unquestionably ageworthy with decades of life ahead. SRP: $785Penfolds Vineyards Great Grandfather Rare Tawny: One to linger over in front of a roaring fireplace. You can’t go wrong with this expressive Tawny, sourced from the Grandfather Solera (average age above 20 years). Scents of caramelized nuts and fig jam on the nose prepare the way for the rich palate of chewy caramel, roasted figs, orange peel and almond toffee. Made for 75 vintages, this wine is a longtime favorite of many; simply heavenly. SRP: $350Decades ago I tasted my first Penfolds wine, and a visit to the Barossa Valley has been on my bucket list for years. It was well worth the wait, I highly recommend it! Meanwhile, you can visit their website at www.penfolds.com for additional info about their history, the property, and their wines.
