1997 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet

Notes sourced from Southcorp Wines.

Not only one of the great red wine bargains of the world, Koonunga Hill now has a world wide reputation for quality, regardless of cost. Australian winemakers are renown for their ability to blend the fruit of various vineyards into a unified whole. Unlike many other reds in its price range, Koonunga Hill is rich and complex with genuine cellaring potential.After very cool conditions throughout the 1997 Summer many vineyards were concerned that the fruit would struggle to fully ripen. However, a very hot April alleviated these fears with most areas in South Australia reporting good to excellent fruit quality and Barossa Valley and Coonawarra experiencing outstanding fruit quality.Made from a blend of 80% Shiraz and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon the wine was matured for 12 months in a combination of French, American and German oak. Youthful red plum colour. On the nose there are aromas of sweet plums, dark cherries and spice with a hint of well integrated oak. The palate is full bodied, yet soft with rich plum and berry flavours and well integrated oak. Good length with fine dry tannins. Drink now or cellar 5 years. 13.5% Alcohol Volume.