Our estate grown cabernet has all the trademarks of the previous award-winning vintages. Maturation for 22 months in new and older French oak adds a subtle complexity to the wine which was bottled unfiltered to preserve the generous fruit flavours.

VINEYARD

Fruit for this single-vineyard 100 per cent Clare Valley cabernet sauvignon was harvested on 29 March 2006 at an average ripeness of 13.8º Baumé.

WINEMAKERS' NOTES

Colour: Opaque deep crimson.

Nose: Lifted blackcurrent with hints of mint and cedary oak.

Palate: A refined, well balanced wine with opulent blackcurrent fruit supported by elegant but firm natural tannins.

Food: Great company for duck, game and lamb.

Cellaring: Drink now or age for up to 10 years.

Winemakers: Ray Klavins & Stephen Stafford-Brookes

ANALYSIS

pH: 3.57
Total acidity: 6.6 g/L
Alcohol: 14.0% by volume
FOOD MATCH

Vineyard Platter

INGREDIENTS

  • Good hunk of tasty sausage
  • Thick wedge of good Australian cheddar cheese
  • The best homemade pickled onions you can find
  • 1 large dill gherkin, baby beets and/or cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh lettuce sprigs of basil and dill
  • A pot of homemade chutney
  • Freshly baked bread (preferably still warm)

METHOD

Lay the lettuce and herbs on one side of a platter, arrange the sausage, cheese, onions and gherkins on top.

Place the beets and chutney in small pots and place in the middle.

Spread the bread across the other half of the platter.

Serve with a sharp knife to cut the sausage and cheese and some good Australian olive oil.

MEDIA REVIEWS — CURRENT VINTAGE

NOTE: THIS VINTAGE HAS ONLY JUST BEEN SENT TO THE MEDIA FOR REVIEW

A MOST ENJOYABLE WINE: Penna Lane 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Fragrant varietal aromas with an attractive earthy complexity developing. Plump plum/black fruit flavours have substance and length. "A most enjoyable wine," said one judge. SEE CLIPPING

Peter Simic & panel, Winestate, August 2008

MEDIA REVIEWS — PRIOR VINTAGES

JUICY RED: Penna Lane 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a nice, juicy red. It tastes of tar, blackcurrant and eucalypt, the flavours fresh and not over-burdened by oak. Its tannins are ripe and supple, and it rings clear and satisfying through the finish. It should be a lovely, mellow drink in three or four year's time. Drink: 2010-2013. 89 points. SEE CLIPPING

Campbell Mattinson, www.winefront.com.au, 20 February 2008


SOFT AND FLAVOURSOME: Penna Lane 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

... deep purple in colour. The nose is reminiscent of pencil shavings and cigar-box characters, with plummy fruit sitting nicely in the background. The palate is soft and flavoursome, with subtle tannins and lashings of blackcurrant and stewed plums, which are well supported by a firm acid, tannin, oak structure. It has a long, soft, mouth-waxing, fruit-driven finish. SEE CLIPPING

Jim McMahon, Education (Sydney) 3 December 2007


LABOUR OF LOVE FOR THE VINE: Penna Lane 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

... great company for duck, game and lamb. SEE CLIPPING

Ann Rickard, Noosa News, 16 November 2007