When you go to Penola you must go to the Windara Bakery and get one of those old-school long cream buns. The end. No more conversation required. Oh, and Penola is the heart of Coonawarra. I suspect the name of the wine may throw a few. Cast all that aside, this is super impressive.
Mind you, this wine has been released to highlight the 'Penola' sub-region, so the back labels says. I've never heard of any locals speaking of sub-regions in the district... Perhaps it's just some great marketing spin? Perhaps Hesketh with be releasing other 'sub-regional' wines from Coonawarra too?
In all, there has been a significant shift in the wines in this Hesketh range and the Parker Coonawarra. There's an energy and exuberance I haven't seen before. Big love for the expressive fruit we have in our hot little hands here.
Sage, blackcurrant and cassis early. It is luscious. I love the flow. Cloves and dark chocolate add layers of interest. It is a wine that gets in deep. Voluptuous tannins and fine spices to close, this is a Cabernet to wrap two hands around the glass and embrace.
Drink to eight years+
93/100
Region: CoonawarraSource: Sample