2017 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet

 

2017 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet | Total Wine & More

Vintage: 2017
Region: South Australia, Australia
Winery: Penfolds
Varietal: 77% Shiraz (Syrah), 23% Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $12 from Wegmans (Total Wine also has it)
My Rating: 91 Points


The Review: It's finally starting to feel a bit closer to Fall outside and I'm chomping at the bit to start wearing flannels again! So, to attempt to "manifest" colder weather and changing leaves, I figure I should write about a bold and full-bodied red.

Before we get into it, let me clear up an age-old point of confusion. What is "Shiraz?" I'm so glad you asked! Shiraz is what our kangaroo loving friends call Syrah. No one really knows why... they just kinda do their own thing down there and no one really bothers to question it.

Today's wine comes from Australian superstar producer Penfolds. Arguably Australia's most famous wine producer (it's not really arguable, but people don't like definitive statements), Penfolds is renowned for its phenomenal high-end wines (look up "2004 Block 42" or "Grange"). Lots of people don't ever really talk about the fact that they also put out excellent budget wines like this one- the 2017 Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet.

The 2017 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cab is predominantly Shiraz, giving it a rich and luscious mouthfeel and great structure that is perfectly reinforced by the Cabernet. It presents aromas of rich plum, red fruits, pepper, fresh herbs, and a touch of mintiness. There was also an interesting note of jamminess and some white chocolate. This is a really complex nose for a $12 wine! The taste also holds up its end of the bargain- presenting tart red fruits such as raspberry and cherry. There's nice acidity and the fruit is mellowed out by a chocolate note and some oak notes such as vanilla and baking spice.

As I've said, this is an impressive wine regardless of the price tag, but the price tag certainly makes it even better! It offers a great look into a huge wine region that is often overlooked in American wine drinking and allows you to try a wine from a legendary producer. This one is sure to find its way into the Buckley rotation!

Hope everyone has a nice Labor Day!

drink what you like,

db

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