1999 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon

Notes sourced from Southcorp wines.

First made in 1976, Penfolds Koonunga Hill was conceived as a red wine for consumption in the year following its release. However, time has shown that it also has good cellaring prospects. In the mid-1990s Koonunga Hill moved up a step in the hierarchy but before that was Penfolds’ ‘entry-level’ red. It is a multi-district blend, usually Barossa Valley-dominant, and takes its name from an important vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1973. Proportions of shiraz and cabernet are varied widely to maintain consistency of style, but shiraz is always dominant.

A fairly dry growing season across South Australia was followed by a hot summer and a rainy autumn. The vintage produced a range of red wine styles incluing sound, soft reds that are ideal for early drinking. Made from a blend of Shiraz (74%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (26%), the wine was matured for 14 months in used oak barrels. Deep crimson colour, purple at the rim. On the nose blackberry/plum fruit is to the fore with eucalyptus/menthol and licorice notes, plus cherry/chocolate, black olive and rhubarb in support. The palate is round and seamless, with fleshy, berry fruit and some savoury notes, fine-grained tannins and integrated oak. Benefits from larger-than-usual shiraz component – a real red! Drink now or cellar 2-3 years. 13.5% alcohol volume.