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Penfolds Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
	The tradition of innovation and experimentation is central to the Penfolds winemaking philosophy and is perpetuated in the form of Penfolds Cellar Reserve wines. These sometimes one off releases emerge periodically when experimental wines, which have been nurtured carefully in the winery cellars, are deemed appropriate for public release. The wines do not necessarily fit into any particular genre and provide winemakers with the freedom to strive for new styles and definitions of excellence in their expression. This wine is 100% Barossa Valley Cabernet, matured in 100% French oak, completing fermentation in the barrel, and is an excellent follow-on vintage from the 2004 Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. 2005 in the Barossa Valley saw a good budburst and fruit set, followed by favourable growing conditions. Harvest was early by about two weeks due to the temperate conditions, allowing for steady, continuous ripening. Warm, dry conditions prevailed during the harvest period. Red varietals show exceptional flavour and structure. Deep, deep red. Dark and brooding, alluring perfumed aromatics develop, replete with a bruleed, almost hotbuttered corn aftertaste. The nose shows concentrated cassis aromas - a blackberry and blueberry compote of Cabernet fruits with barely perceptible oak. Notes of olive, aniseed and dark chocolate and barrel nuances abound with notes of vanilla stick and a cedary background of smoky, French oak tones. The flavours are captivating and distinctive, in the dark-to-black flavour spectrum with the tannins firm and chewy, verging on succulent. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon “Cellar Reserve” was sourced entirely from Barossa Valley fruit. It offers a contrast to the Bin 707. The Cellar Reserve was aged in 100% French oak and shows its warm climate personality on its sleeve. Opaque purple, it displays a superb bouquet of toasty oak, smoke, espresso, black currant, blackberry liqueur, and licorice. This leads to a full-bodied, opulent wine with layers of spicy black fruit flavors, a smooth texture, well-concealed ripe tannins, and superb balance. More forward than the Bin 707, it will still benefit from 4-6 years of cellaring and drink well through 2030. Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007 Jay Miller 96 Drink 2011 - 2030	QTY: