In 1850, 12 miles north east of Penola, Mr John Smith established a sheep station and called the site Comaum. By 1888, with the arrival of more families to the area, Comaum School was opened. Our premium Coonawarra vineyard is situated on the original school house site, and each year a special wine is released in its honour.

An abundance of purple and black fruits, with concentrated notes of dark cherry, bay leaf and dark chocolate. Vibrant fruit supported by elegant tannins and subtle toasted oak create a seamless, layered wine with depth, generosity and graceful aging potential.

A substantial offering with multi-layered mouthfeel, it's powerfully concentrated with crème de cassis, cigar box, tapenade and violet characters, combined with excellent weight and density, beautifully framed by fine chalky tannins. The wine is opulent and structured at the same time, making it immensely appealing. At its best: 2024 to 2036. Date: Apr 2022; Price: $80.00; Rating: 96 Points; Wine Orbit

Coonawarra Shiraz, the wine sees extended skin contact, before being pressed into a mix of French and American oak hogsheads, 30% of which are new. Maturation is for a period of one and a half years. An opaque maroon hue, the nose is dense and concentrated. We have aromas of chocolate, tobacco leaves, cassis, dried herbs, cloves, mocha and coffee grinds with a mix of blueberries and blackberries. A supple texture with very good length, excellent balance and sleek tannins. A wine of concentration and focus with a good ten to fifteen years ahead of it. Date: June 2024; Price: $80.00; Drink by: 2024-2039; Rating: 94 Points; Ken Gargett

Pressed to French and American hogsheads, of which 30% are new. A further 18 months before final blending. Boysenberry, mulberry and blueberry skin. Black cherries and prune plums. Tobacco pouch, soft licorice and potting soil. Shaved dark chocolate and mocha tones. Fruit is jam-packed on the palate with sweet fruit compote and Medjool dates. Fine tannins. A youthful palate and sweet oak spices. Date: May 2024; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $85.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 93 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

#penfolds1