Awards/Ratings

Noted high scores for the 1998 release: James Halliday ~96, Jeremy Oliver ~95, Robert Parker/Wine Advocate ~94. Listed drinking window c. 2008–2040+. Sources: Penfolds official, JC Fine Wines, WineRelique, Nick's Wine Merchants, Parkers Cellar

Tasting Note

Deep blackberry and plum with mocha, cedar and exotic spice; hints of leather and earth. Polished, fine tannins, velvety texture and a long savoury finish showing dark chocolate and espresso notes.

Food Pairing

Western: roast lamb, beef short ribs, aged cheddar, mushroom risotto. Asian: char siu, Korean BBQ (galbi), Sichuan‑style beef, teriyaki‑grilled meats, Peking duck.

Production Method

Hand‑harvested, open‑top fermenters and basket‑pressed; matured c.14–16 months in a blend of French and American oak (significant proportion new) before bottling.

Vineyard Info

Single‑vineyard monopole at Penfolds’ historic Magill Estate (planted 1844). Small, dry‑grown, low‑yield Shiraz blocks near Adelaide producing intense, site‑specific fruit.