Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon, Penfolds 2021

With presence and poise in spades, this classically styled and refined 2021 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon offers seamless aromas of cassis, graphite and dried herbs featuring beautifully integrated oak. Tightly framed cedar flavors are currently prominent against a backdrop of sinewy tannins that drive a lengthy finish. This is a very serious Cabernet showcasing this classy Coonawarra vintage. Drink between 2027-2038.

For the record, 2021 is exceptional across South Australia. Choosing the best wines is, at times, like pulling needles from a haystack. Crushed blackcurrants, a waft of sage, dried lavender and black olive paste are lathered across an impenetrably juicy finish that runs very long. A lick of Coonawarra menthol. Just a lick. This will age very well and I may be underscoring this today. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.