A Pair of Penfolds
Two wines with a very similar name and label, but quite different in style. In a slightly nerdy mood, I emailed the importers (Findlater WS) to find out how the winemaking changes. The 76 is sourced from only three regions, the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra, whereas the other includes, depending on the vintage, grapes from these as well as Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, Clare Valley and Bordertown. Both are aged for twelve months in oak, but the 76 has a proportion of new oak. Both were very drinkable, but the 76 was clearly the better wine.
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2011, South Australia
13.5%
Good medium-bodied ripe dark fruits – plums and cassis, smooth with a lightly spicy touch. Nice wine. Widely available for €16.99
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy Six Shiraz Cabernet 2012, South Australia
14.5%
A tribute to the first Koonunga Hill, released in 1976. It was inexpensive, but very good and had the ability to age really well for a decade or more. This version is big and rich and classically Australian in style, with ripe dark fruits and a good tannic structure. I suspect this will keep equally well, although it is very good now. Widely available for €20.99
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