Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Southeast Australia Shiraz Cabernet, 2005

During a year I spent in Australia, the 1976 Koonunga Hill Claret (as it was then called) was a favored bargain, whether off the shelf for less than $2 a bottle or in pubs around Melbourne University. The wine was undoubtedly sourced from better vineyards at that time, but the style is pretty much the same, and the wine is still a stellar bargain, selling for $8 to $10 at World Market and other wine outlets. The 1976, I am told, was going strong after three decades; this 2005 has been ready to drink for the past several years.

Deep color, some bricking. Typical Shiraz Cabernet (72% Shiraz, 28% Cab) smells and flavors. Not really like either Shiraz or Cabernet. Dark chocolate, spice and black fruits. Rounded and full bodied. Flavors that grow on you. Very dry with firm tannins.

No comments:

Post a Comment