Collection: Barossa & McLaren Vale

Three regions in South Australia, three different arguments about Shiraz and Cabernet.

Barossa Valley — warm, and home to some of the oldest vines on earth. Because phylloxera never reached South Australia, there are Shiraz vines here planted in the 1840s that are still producing. Barossa Shiraz is rich, dark and full-bodied.

McLaren Vale — closer to the sea and slightly cooler. Similar weight, more freshness and a savoury edge.

Coonawarra — far south and much cooler, on a narrow strip of red terra rossa soil over limestone. This is Cabernet country, and the wines are more structured and mint-edged than anything from Barossa.

Note on oak. The reputation for heavy new oak is real for some producers but not universal — Penfolds St Henri uses no new oak at all and is the best counter-example on our list.

Decant an hour. Serve 16–18°C. Grilled meat, lamb, barbecue.

Penfolds · All Australia & NZ