Penfolds

Dourthe 2019 750mL

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  Vintage 2019
  94 points The Vintage Journal

Deep crimson. Intense blackcurrant, dark plum, dark chocolate aromas with roasted chestnut, malty oak notes. Full bodied claret style with abundant blackcurrant, dark plum, mulberry, cedar flavours, chocolaty textures, malty, roasted chestnut notes, and integrated mineral acidity. Very generous and classically Penfolds with meaty, barrel ferment notes and prominent malt/ mocha oak dominating the palate. Finishes chocolaty firm. A largely successful experimental blend although elemental and unformed. Should settle down in a few more years. Maturation in new French (70%) and new American (30%) oak barriques and hogsheads. Blended and bottled in South Australia. Drink 2026 – 2038 14% alc 94 points

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  Vintage 2019
  93 points

How often have you seen a Bordeaux/Barossa blend? The amalgam of varietals, unfamiliar to the Bordelaise, but a comfortable fit for Australians, consists of 60% cabernet, 28% shiraz and 12% merlot. French and American oak was employed for 18 months. The wine is full bodied with a density of blackberry, black currant and plum fruit, enhanced by nuances of licorice, a blue note, malt, wood smoke, and finished with distinctive gravelly tannins. The first of what promises to be a continuous line, it's slightly disjointed at present and needs a few years to settle - say, 5 to 10.