Penley Estate

Reserve Estate Grown Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

9.147 ratings
9.012 pro ratings
Coonawarra, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Well done. A tasty Aussie that is not over the top.

Well done. A tasty Aussie that is not over the top.

Dec 29th, 2017
Delectable Blue

A big classy full-bodied Coonawarra cabernet. Luscious ripe cassis, blueberry and black plumb flavours predominate, along with a hint of mint, liquorice and tobacco across that unique earthy Coonawarra background. Nice complexity and great length of finish. A very nice wine.

The only downside is that the oaky tannins are still quite firm and feel a little chalky and mouth-drying. I think the tannins still need quite a bit more bottle time to fully integrate. The good news is that the wine has a good acid balance, so it should be capable of carrying the tannins the distance. I suspect the wine needs a least another 5 years, maybe even 10 years, but should be a lovely, or possibly a stunning wine by then.

Note, after having been decanted for several hours, those tannins settled down a bit, so if you are planning on drinking the wine young, decanting is highly recommended.

Night 2

After having been given 24 hours to decant, the wine has changed considerably. Firstly, those tannins have been transformed into the super-fine variety. There is still the slightest hint of powder dusting in the mouth, but nothing show stopping. The flavours in the wine have also continued to develop. The tobacco flavours have become much more dominant, but not overpowering and have been joined with a hint of chocolate, with the liquorice more subdued. The flavours push through the finish, with layers of complexity. I can’t wait to taste it again in another 5 years. Delicious!

A big classy full-bodied Coonawarra cabernet. Luscious ripe cassis, blueberry and black plumb flavours predominate, along with a hint of mint, liquorice and tobacco across that unique earthy Coonawarra background. Nice complexity and great length of finish. A very nice wine.

The only downside is that the oaky tannins are still quite firm and feel a little chalky and mouth-drying. I think the tannins still need quite a bit more bottle time to fully integrate. The good news is that the wine has a good acid balance, so it should be capable of carrying the tannins the distance. I suspect the wine needs a least another 5 years, maybe even 10 years, but should be a lovely, or possibly a stunning wine by then.

Note, after having been decanted for several hours, those tannins settled down a bit, so if you are planning on drinking the wine young, decanting is highly recommended.

Night 2

After having been given 24 hours to decant, the wine has changed considerably. Firstly, those tannins have been transformed into the super-fine variety. There is still the slightest hint of powder dusting in the mouth, but nothing show stopping. The flavours in the wine have also continued to develop. The tobacco flavours have become much more dominant, but not overpowering and have been joined with a hint of chocolate, with the liquorice more subdued. The flavours push through the finish, with layers of complexity. I can’t wait to taste it again in another 5 years. Delicious!

1 person found it helpfulJan 15th, 2016
Simon Gilligan

Big and grunty, I do like this cab sav. Grainy sweet tannin. Black fruit with a bit of red coming through. Long finish.

Big and grunty, I do like this cab sav. Grainy sweet tannin. Black fruit with a bit of red coming through. Long finish.

Mar 12th, 2016
Peter Scudamore-Smith MW

Coonawwarra from 2010; one of the better examples; Penley Reserve with a nose full of blackcurrant, chocolate and tobacco; AUD 50; 14.5%; good tannins not overt 5yo; all good now; mo dryness so expect 10yrs+; #coonawarra #aussiewine #cabernetsauvignon #cabernet #SA #reserve #penleyestate #drinksa #drinklocal #drinkaussie

Coonawwarra from 2010; one of the better examples; Penley Reserve with a nose full of blackcurrant, chocolate and tobacco; AUD 50; 14.5%; good tannins not overt 5yo; all good now; mo dryness so expect 10yrs+; #coonawarra #aussiewine #cabernetsauvignon #cabernet #SA #reserve #penleyestate #drinksa #drinklocal #drinkaussie

May 3rd, 2015
Steve Fisher

hanging with the winemaker, Kym Tolley. The wine is from magnum and still has incredible fruit and structure.

hanging with the winemaker, Kym Tolley. The wine is from magnum and still has incredible fruit and structure.

Jun 11th, 2014
Kevin Walsh

Wine blogger doxologywine.com; Freelance Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers) Doxology Wine Consulting

8.4

2009. Cherry, bandaid, and dried herbs.

2009. Cherry, bandaid, and dried herbs.

Mar 24th, 2014
Paul Swiecicki

Jam and dark fruit, herbal with a note of juniper and peppercorn.

Jam and dark fruit, herbal with a note of juniper and peppercorn.

Jan 7th, 2018
Mark Grammer

Nose is outstanding. Lead pencil and dark red fruit on the palate. Really good acidity helps bring out some spice but slowly dissipates to allow a round finish.

Nose is outstanding. Lead pencil and dark red fruit on the palate. Really good acidity helps bring out some spice but slowly dissipates to allow a round finish.

Mar 11th, 2017
Jamie Franklin

Dark Ruby color and full bodied with lots of dark bramble and berry fruit up front. Very fruit forward with leather notes and a smooth finish with medium but subtle tannins.

Dark Ruby color and full bodied with lots of dark bramble and berry fruit up front. Very fruit forward with leather notes and a smooth finish with medium but subtle tannins.

Sep 24th, 2016
Jon G
9.1

Great cab from coonawarra. Tons of cab characteristics

Great cab from coonawarra. Tons of cab characteristics

May 9th, 2016