Penley Estate ‘Phoenix’ Cabernet Sauvignon
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant red wine from Australia’s Coonawarra region, known for its exceptional value.
- The estate’s unique “terra rossa” soil features rich red loam over porous limestone, providing excellent drainage and minerality for premium Cabernet.
- The vines, aged 10 to 30 years, are grown using sustainable organic farming practices.
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Elaboration: Barrel aged in French oak for 12 months (5% new oak and 95% old oak), followed by 6 months in stainless steel. Total time spent on oak is 12 months.
Tasting Notes: Red and black fruits. Bay leaf, cassis, black cherry, blood plum, and licorice. A fleshy mid palate delivers a modern, approachable style of Coonawarra Cabernet. Layers of dark fruit, varietal herbs, and subtle oak coated with sandy tannins. A line of acidity gives lift and freshness, creating a wine for all occasions.
PRESS
2021 – 92 James Suckling | 92 Wine Enthusiast
2022 – 92 James Suckling
2024 – 92 James Halliday
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Penley Estate is a family-owned winery in the Coonawarra wine region of South Australia, known for its “Terra Rossa” soil. Specializing in premium, fruit-forward wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Penley Estate emphasizes sustainable practices and is certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Established in 1988, it combines the legacies of the Penfolds and Tolleys, now run by fifth-generation sisters Ang and Bec Tolley, along with winemakers Kate Goodman and Lauren Hansen. The estate manages around 80 to 90 hectares of vineyards in a cool, maritime climate, resulting in exceptional grape quality.