5***** Provenance
Planted around 1888, Block 42 is located at the edge of the Kalimna Vineyard in the Barossa Valley and is home to Cabernet Sauvignon vines of ancient genetic origins.
The 10-acre Block 42 was planted only 30 years after the great 1855 Bordeaux Classification and comprises the oldest plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon continuously produced in the world. The recent 2004 vintage resulted in beautifully aromatic, perfectly balanced and ripe Cabernet Sauvignon from Block 42, Kalimna Vineyard. The fruit was handpicked and fermented in 'headed down' static fermenters. The wine completed fermentation entirely in seasoned new oak hogsheads.
- Region:
- SA - Barossa
- State:
- South Australia
- Country:
- Australia
Expert Reviews
Rating 96+ - Wine Advocate #167, Oct 2006, Robert Parker
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 42 Kalimna (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) spent 13 months in 100% new 300 liter American hogsheads. The result is an opaque purple-colored Cabernet displaying a gorgeously intense perfume of graphite, acacia flowers, black truffles, blueberries, and blackberries. It is seamless, full-bodied, and opulent, with amazing intensity as well as high tannin levels. The latter component is largely concealed by a sensational cascade of fruit and glycerin. This remarkable wine should age gracefully for 20-25 years. Drink 2006 - 2031
See all Expert Reviews
Winery Tasting Notes
Penfolds `Block 42` is a captivating example of a single block of high-quality Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring concentrated varietal flavours, complexity of balanced oak and a fine tannin finish.
Colour
Dense in colour.
Aroma
The nose shows intense blackcurrant, dark chocolate and liquorice aromas.
Palate
Fine, silky tannins and richly concentrated flavours are in perfect harmony. The sheer volume and weight of fruit explodes across the palate, giving tremendous depth and length of flavour.
Food Matching
Ideal with hearty meat dishes.
Cellaring/Peak Drinking
2008-2030
2004 Vintage Notes
Above average winter rainfall led into a promising vintage, which was characterised by mild conditions up until February, followed by hot weather conditions throughout March and April. South Australia fared well and produced wines of elegance and intensity.
Maturation Notes
Fermentation was completed in medium toast, new 300L oak hogsheads, before the wine underwent 13 months barrel fermentation.
Winery Profile
Australia's winemaking history of less than two hundred years is brief by European measures though, like Europe, punctuated by periods of extreme success and difficult times. From the earliest winemaking days Penfolds has figured prominently and few would argue the importance of Penfolds' influence on Australia's winemaking psyche.
Without the influence of Penfolds the modern Australian wine industry would look very different indeed. Sitting comfortably outside of fad and fashion, Penfolds has taken Australian wine to the world on a grand stage and forged a reputation for quality that is without peer.
Penfolds' reputation for making wines of provenance and cellaring potential might suggest a mantle of tradition and formality is the preferred attire of a company with so much history to defend. But to label Penfolds as simply an established and conventional winemaker, would be to confuse tradition with consideration and to overlook the innovative spirit that has driven Penfolds since its foundation, and continues to find expression in modern times.
If there is anything traditional about Penfolds, it is the practice of constantly reviewing the wines it already does well, and continuously evolving and refining styles as vineyards mature and access to ever older and more varied vineyard sites improves.
Other Information
- 2004 vintage
- 1 x 750mL Bottle
- SA - Barossa, South Australia
- Cork closure
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Rating 96+ - Wine Advocate #167, Oct 2006, Robert Parker
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 42 Kalimna (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) spent 13 months in 100% new 300 liter American hogsheads. The result is an opaque purple-colored Cabernet displaying a gorgeously intense perfume of graphite, acacia flowers, black truffles, blueberries, and blackberries. It is seamless, full-bodied, and opulent, with amazing intensity as well as high tannin levels. The latter component is largely concealed by a sensational cascade of fruit and glycerin. This remarkable wine should age gracefully for 20-25 years. Drink 2006 - 2031
Rating 94-96 - Wine Advocate #161, Oct 2005, Robert Parker
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 42 Kalimna is produced from some of the finest parcels Penfolds owns in their Kalimna and Koonunga Hill vineyards in the Barossa Valley, and their Block 20 Vineyard in Coonawarra. There are 550 cases of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its opaque purple color is followed by intense aromas of blueberries, blackberries, flowers, truffles, and damp earth. Voluptuous, rich, beautifully textured, and seamless, this fabulous effort dwarfs the outstanding Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon. Interestingly, Penfolds has decided to package these wines in a tall, heavy bottle with a retro-looking Penfolds label (I loved the packaging) as well as screw caps. This sensational Cabernet should have an uncanny aging potential of 20-25 years. Drink: 2005 - 2030
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