2018 Penley Estate Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon

Produced entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaker Kate Goodman has produced an expressive Coonawarra Cabernet from the great 2018 vintage that shows both strong varietal character and depth all for just $17. Rated 93 points by the normally miserly Wine Spectator, take it for what you will, but this puts it on par with the likes of Bordeaux heavyweights 2016 Chateau Beychevelle ($160+), 2015 Chateau Calon Segur ($180), 2016 Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild ($170+) and 2016 Chateau Gruaud Larose ($165+) making this an exceptional buy by any standard.

Showing all the hallmarks of the great 2018 vintage, possessing both depth and concentration, this Cabernet finishes long and refined, making it an outstanding value.

Barrel aged in French oak for 12 months (30% new oak, 70% old oak) followed by 6 months in stainless steel. Midnight black core with a deep dark red black hue. Sailing out of the glass are intense aromatics of blackcurrant followed by subtle notions of violets, ripe mulberry, hints of red liquorice, vanillin cedar and subtle spicy tobacco notes. Flooding the medium to full bodied palate are waves of rich blackcurrant fruit that have a relatively smooth textural feel. Mulberry, subtle cedary tobacco characters and spicy bay leaf nuances ensue. Very polished yet structured tannins. Excellent depth and concentration for its price point finishing long and refined.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews…..
Dense and toothsome, with sink-your-teeth-into-them tannins that add a wonderful richness and density to the generous flavors of dark chocolate–covered coffee bean, kirsch, sage and cassis. The harmony keeps building on the finish. Drink now through 2035.
93 points
Wine Spectator