2016 Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon

A rich, ripe Coonawarra Cabernet primed for drinking.

Barrel aged in French oak for 12 months (5% new oak, 95% old oak) followed by 6 months in stainless steel. Excellent colour displaying a totally opaque midnight black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced ripe blackcurrant aromas tinged with bay leaf rise from the glass underpinned by scents of dark chocolate, cedary tobacco characters, dusty earth and spice. Full in body the rich, smooth mid palate is awash with luscious ripe blackcurrant flavours which overlay a backdrop of bay leaf infusions, subtle cedary tobacco characters, dark chocolate and spice. Very well integrated finely grained tannins have an underlying sturdiness that’s concealed by the rich waves of fruit. Medium to long aftertaste of ripe blackcurrants, infusions of bay leaf, cedary tobacco characters and spice.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15%

Other reviews....
Dense, with sink-your-teeth-into-them tannins and concentration to the plum, cassis and blackberry flavors. Sage and rosemary accents linger in the background. Strikes the right balance between power and elegance, with grace notes of eucalyptus, black tea and tobacco lingering on the velvety finish. Drink now through 2030.
93 points
Wine Spectator