2022 Penny’s Hill Cracking Black Shiraz

The most interesting aspect of Penny’s Hill Malpas Road vineyard is a peculiar characteristic of the soil from which this wine's namesake is derived, due to the cracking black 'bay of biscay' soils. Since the site was planted in 1991, viticulturists have observed come summer, preceding vintage, that fissures occur as the black soil dries up. It literally cracks apart, severing any surplus root structure in the vine; a process which naturally lessens vine vigour and enhances fruit quality. To best reflect the variations in terroir across the vineyards and ensure that the fruit is picked at optimal levels of physiological ripeness, harvest of individual parcels occurs on different days. Maturation takes place in French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.

Rich, succulent and powerful yet sturdy in its structure.

Impenetrable inky black at its heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Blackberry, liquorice and dark plum aromas waft out of the glass followed by vanillin cedar, fennel, subtle earth and blackpepper notes. Rich, succulent blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits flood the mouth with notions of fennel, smoky vanillin cedar and blackpepper lending further nuance. Concentrated and powerful it has an opulent yet youthful feel with a sturdy tannin structure providing the support. The long, lush finish laced with blackpepper.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
The wine spent fifteen months in French oak barrels before selection for the final blend. The colour a near black/purple, the wine is dense, concentrated and powerful. Those who enjoy big and bold McLaren Vale Shiraz will be excited by this. More savoury than plushly fruited, there are notes of graphite, black fruits, aniseed, soy and truffles. A wine with impressive length and fine tannins, which will drink well for at least the next ten to twelve years. A cracking Shiraz indeed! And cracking value. Drink 2024-2036.
94 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com