2005 Cellar Reserve Pinot Noir
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There are some terrific red wine bargains in Penfolds’ portfolio. But first, some unusual, but successful reds are being released in the United States. The 2005 Pinot Noir Cellar Reserve (all from Adelaide Hills) displays an authentic Pinot Noir character in its bouquet of sweet and sour cherries, dried herbs, forest floor, and nicely integrated wood as well as acidity. Bottled unfined and unfiltered after spending nine months in equal parts new and old French barriques, it possesses a beautiful texture, surprising weight, and a European sensibility. This beauty demonstrates how far this estate’s winemaking team has progressed in making high class Pinot. It should drink well for 5-6 years. Importer: Southcorp, PWG Vintners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-8755
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Robert Parker
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.