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90POINTS
16½/20
Penfolds CWT 521 Cabernet Sauvignon-Marselan 2021
ChinaThe Penfolds Chinese Winemaking Trial 521 is the latest in a growing number of international labels in the vaunted Penfolds' trial wines. For more than two centuries, innovation, experimentation, and trial have been key drivers in the creation of the many Penfolds flagship wines, including Grange (experimental 1951), Yattarna Bin 144 (for the 144 winemaking trials), and RWT Red Winemaking Trial) Barossa Valley Shiraz. The experiments continue with releases from California and France. As different as these wines can be, they still adhere to the distinctive Penfolds house style, crafted on a "limitless approach based on multi-regional sourcing and blending." This red, made by Penfolds winemaker Matt Woo in China, mixes cabernet sauvignon from the Shangri-La region, and Marselan from Ningxia. You notice an inviting nose with no competition from other Chinese wines I have nosed. That's followed by exquisite texture and that weighty Penfolds style from front to back. Cassis and pepper line its youthful flavours. The multi-regional blend was aged in French oak. Like most trial wine program wines, the initial release is small. It's a good start and is already a leader in quality in the Chinese market. For you 'Bin' freaks, CWT 5-2-1 refers to sourcing the wine from 'five' geographical areas (four from the Yunnan region and one from the Ningxia region), and the first commercial vintage of this trial wine, '21'.Tasted: 06 August 2023Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| US | $99.00 | 750ml | estimated retail in select private wine shops |
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Marselan
