FWT 585 Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot 2020 Gift Box
| 17.5/20 Points - Matthew Jukes |
| 94 Points - Huon Hooke |
| 94 Points - Ned Goodwin |
Matthew Jukes
"Fairly pretty, juicy and summer pudding-scented this is not an overly complex wine, nor is it particularly grand in its framework. It shows Penfolds attention to detail with a smoky feel and a sooty texture. However, it somewhat lacks the depth of field and generosity of tannin to give it the engine needed to evolve over the medium-long term. While I like the overall feel of this wine, it needs more stuffing and complexity to stand out. Drink now – 2035. 13.5% alc – 17.5 points"
Huon Hooke
"Deep, dense red-purple with superbly concentrated, essency blue fruit and violet aromas, touches of graphite and ironstone, palate just full bodied and firm with a trace of bitterness in the tannins and good extract/fleshiness. Will reward cellar time. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. Drink 2024 – 2036. 13.5% alc – 94 points"
Ned Goodwin
"This is delicious, offering mid-weighted, savory respite after some of the boozy Napa expressions in the range. In the context of Penfolds' increasing forays into international regions, the wine is beautifully crafted. Ample fidelity to region, too. Largely, the HautMédoc, I'm told. Currant, graphite and a fleck of leaf, with green olive and dried porcini imparting a warming wave of umami to the core. Loosely knit enough to breach immediately, this will nevertheless age well across the mid-term. Luncheon claret with an inviting thrust of fruit and parry of well sculpted tannins. Drink or hold. 13.5% alc – 94 points"
“Our second French Wine Trial from the storied vineyards of Bordeaux.” - Shauna Bastow, Penfolds Red Winemaker
Dense crimson core with garnet red edges.
Beautiful, sweet pastries are first to greet the nose: cherry clafoutis, blackberry danish, Portuguese tarts, chocolate soufflé. Framboise, cranberries, mulberry leaf and redcurrants provide ample lift. There are hints of red licorice and baking spices. Roast meat pan-scrapings and demi-glace reduction offer a savoury nuance. As aromatic as a Parisian parfum parlour. Mysterious scents of the apothecary, antique cupboards, elixirs, tonics and exotic spices.
The palate is very youthful and vibrant. Firm tannins are slatey and powdery, mineral like, promising to hold for the long-term. Oak is standing sentry over the buoyant young fruit, making sure everyone marches to the same tune... present, creamy even, but far from overt. For all the structural descriptors, it is surprisingly approachable now with a real gloss to the palate. Contemporary, a wine of the times. Cherry and black fruits tussle for attention. Spiced berry compote, blackberries with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. A mouthfeel and texture akin to cured pork pancetta and Mediterranean char-grilled meats.
Vintage Conditions
Bordeaux winter was mild, followed by a wet spring. Summer was dry until mid-August when a storm dropped a significant amount of rain. On the one hand it was welcome, given the parched conditions, however growers were on high alert for mildew in the humid conditions that followed. Overall, it was a warm and mostly dry growing season, with the rain arriving in sporadic thunderstorms. The early ripening merlot fared very well.
| GRAPE VARIETY
Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Merlot (41%), Petit Verdot (7%)
|
Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Merlot (41%), Petit Verdot (7%) |
|---|---|
| VINEYARD REGION
Bordeaux, Vin de France
|
Bordeaux, Vin de France |
| wine analysis
Alc/Vol: 14%, pH: 3.68, Acidity: 5.5g/L
|
Alc/Vol: 14%, pH: 3.68, Acidity: 5.5g/L |
| MATURATION
12 months in barriques, 20% new French and 19% new American with the balance in 1-y.o. barrels
|
12 months in barriques, 20% new French and 19% new American with the balance in 1-y.o. barrels |
Our French Release
The inaugural French release in 2022 was led by a wine made in partnership with one of Bordeaux’s most respected winemaking Houses, Dourthe Bordeaux. The elegance of French cabernet meets the depth and power of South Australian shiraz. This first release included two wines; Dourthe x Penfolds II Cabernet Shiraz and FWT (French Winemaking Trial) 585 Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot.
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