2008 Penley Estate Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Special Select"

Winery: Penley Estate

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Special Select"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 100% Shiraz

Region: Coonawarra

State or country: Australia

Price: $50

Cases produced: 50

KWG Score: 91.6 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: February 12, 2012

Wine Review: This opaque and onyx colored Shiraz opens with an inviting blackberry and cherry vanilla bouquet with hints of violets and plums. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, and savory. The flavor profile is a ripe black plum with notes of cinnamon. The panel also detected some black pepper and a touch of prunes. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins are nicely prolonged. The panel felt this wine could benefit from a bit of aging as it shows some long term potential. In the meantime they would pair it with chicken and sausage gumbo or spicy Thai dishes. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Inky with a great depth of colour and a purple hue. The nose is strongly fruit driven showing concentrated blackberry, mulberry and cassis characteristics. The aroma has a subtle smokey oak character and a touch of vanillin enhanced during its barrel fermentation. There is a fine balance of fruit, oak and richness. The palate is opulent and concentrated. The wine shows elegancy but with great depth of fruit, tightly structured acid and fine silky tannins. Grape and oak tannins are evident and add depth but they do not dominate the wine. Complexity of character, rich berry with firm dry tannins and smokey / cedary flavours linger on the finish and persist in the aftertaste. A great example of high quality Coonawarra Shiraz.

Organic status: not organic

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Penley 2008 Special Select Shiraz.