Penley Estate Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil - a thin strip of red earth over limestone - creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique terroir produces wines with exceptional structure and the distinctive mint character found in this Penley Estate wine. The cool climate and excellent drainage allow for slow ripening, resulting in the intense blackcurrant and black cherry flavours that make Coonawarra Cabernets world-renowned.

This is one of Australia's most prestigious winemaking honours, recognising exceptional skill and innovation in the industry. Kate Goodman's achievement in 2024 places her among an elite group of winemakers who have shaped Australian wine. Her expertise is directly reflected in this estate grown Cabernet, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that earned her this national recognition.

Estate grown means Penley controls every aspect from vine to bottle - they own the vineyard, grow the grapes, and make the wine on the same property. This gives winemakers complete control over quality, from pruning decisions to harvest timing. The result is a wine that truly expresses the specific terroir of Penley's Coonawarra vineyards, rather than blending fruit from multiple sources.

The mint character is a hallmark of premium Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly from cooler vineyard sites. This eucalyptus-like note develops naturally during fermentation and adds complexity to the wine's flavour profile. Combined with the rich blackcurrant and black cherry notes, it creates the distinctive Australian Cabernet style that sets wines like this Penley apart from their international counterparts.

Serve this wine at 16-18°C and decant it 30-60 minutes before drinking to allow the rich, full-bodied structure to open up properly. The wine's intensity pairs beautifully with red meat, aged cheeses, or hearty stews. Given its estate grown pedigree and the 2022 vintage, this Cabernet has excellent aging potential and will continue developing complexity over the next 8-10 years.