Penfolds Quantum Bin 98 Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Penfolds Quantum Bin 98 is the continuation of a twenty-year endeavour from when Australian vine cuttings were planted in Californian soil. A Wine of the World that encapsulates a bold blending alliance, Quantum reveals a wine that shows wisdom, crafted with conviction but also embedded in the “quality-first” philosophy that underpins Penfolds flagships. The wine serves as the most powerful expression of our blending style and leads the charge in Penfolds ambition to seek out parcels of intense flavour, structural tannins and equal parts grace and complexity. Northern and southern hemispheres bring prized cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley and pedigreed shiraz from South Australia, respectively, into each other’s realm. Not adhering to expectations and de rigueur.

Tasting Notes: The palate is dense, brooding. The sweet notes on the nose manifest as flavours of dark/bitter chocolate with hazelnut praline. The mind wanders to childhood memories of Poly Waffle and Toblerone chocolate bars. There is a ferric impression, akin to old coins, wet ironstone and fresh black pudding. A second sip invites thoughts of Ligurian olives sprinkled with toasted fennel seeds. Italian chinotto poured on ice. Middle Eastern dukkah and za’atar round out an intriguing palate. The acidity is fresh and lively, keeping the perceptual sweetness of the fruit well in check. The tannins are generous and structural, reminiscent of freshly brewed lapsang souchong tea.

Alcohol: 14.5%