The family owned Penley Estate has gone through a rebirth in recent times. New wine maker Kate Goodman has introduced a far more contemporary style of wine making, partnered with well respected viticulturist David Paxton tending to the estate vineyards. A quiet revolution taking place with wines now produced from outside of Coonawarra.

There is so much respect and admiration for the fruit; it's cradled and delivered on a bed of silk tannins. Raspberries, hawthorn and red fig. Peach tea and tangerine skin. Acidity echoes right throughout the wine, and a touch of sweet paprika rounds out the final note. A wine that will age very well indeed; those tannins will see you through the next five to six years. Or if drinking now, go for duck pancakes and die happy. Drink to: 2031; Date Tasted: February 2026; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $75.00; Rating: 94+ Points; James Halliday Wine Companion