Penfolds : Penfolds II 2019

An Australian wine born from a unique encounter between two hemispheres

The estate

Voted New World Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, the Penfolds estate had already established itself as an emblem of Australia's great wines thanks to Mary Penfold's unparalleled determination in the 19th century. Indeed, the co-founder of Penfolds Winery devoted herself body and soul to crafting exceptional wines. This life's work is reflected in the estate's success in establishing itself as a benchmark among Southern Australia wines. When Max Schubert joined the Penfolds adventure in the 1950s, he instilled in the estate's wines the elegance of the great Bordeaux wines that fascinated him so much. Success was not long in coming when the Chief Winemaker created his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to conquer wine lovers around the world.

The wine

Penfolds II is a project initiated in 2013 between Penfolds and Dourthe, a house specialized in Bordeaux wine production since 1840. Upholding common values and enriched by a strong relationship since their meeting at Vinexpo Bordeaux in 2013, Penfolds and Dourthe aimed to create the first Franco-Australian "Wine of the World". The name "II" refers to the symbiosis between two winemakers, two philosophies and two grape varieties, giving birth to a rare and unique cuvée. Penfolds II marks the meeting, around the 2019 vintage, of two hemispheres. Indeed, Bordeaux Cabernet Francs were blended within the Penfolds cellars with a rigorous selection of Syrahs from the finest plots of the Australian estate.

The vintage

Characteristics of the Bordeaux vintage: initially cold winter temperatures warmed up until March, leading to budburst two weeks earlier than average. The vines struggled to develop due to recurring temperature fluctuations until June. May was stable and dry, allowing flowering to take place without hindrance. At the end of June, heatwaves began, but thanks to cover crops, the vines suffered less. Rains only appeared in September, allowing the fruit to ripen in the best climatic conditions. The grapes were harvested under optimal conditions.

Characteristics of the South Australia vintage: drought was present in winter. Fortunately, spring temperatures were cool accompanied by negligible rainfall, leading to isolated frosts. The overly warm summer delayed veraison; the Barossa Valley recorded a month of temperatures above 35 degrees. Fortunately, with the Southern Ocean nearby, the heat was moderated in the south-eastern districts. Harvests were healthy but with yields lower than average. The Shiraz displayed very beautiful colours, firm tannic profiles, and intense aromas.

Blend

Cabernet Franc (71%)
Syrah (29%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Penfolds II by Penfolds 

Tasting

Colour
This wine has a bright purple colour.
Nose
The nose of the Penfolds II cuvée is intriguing in its originality. A beautiful freshness accompanies aromas of liquorice and oriental spices. Empyreumatic notes such as smoke are revealed, while aromas of dried fruits join the others to form a unique fragrance.
Palate
This wine is complex, balanced and generous. A dominance of graphite mingles with spices and liquorice notes. The structure is generous and the tannins are velvety. The acidity present gives character, and the finish leaves us with a frank minerality.

Food and wine pairing
Aged meats will perfectly accompany this original Australian wine from Penfolds.

Service
The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees.

Cellaring
The Penfolds II cuvée by Penfolds and Dourthe can be kept for 10 to 15 years, until 2038.