Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2022

Winery Background and History

Penfolds, founded in 1844, is Australia’s most storied winery renowned for its pioneering winemaking and global prestige. The Koonunga Hill range, named after one of its Barossa Valley vineyards, was introduced in the 1970s to offer quality and value, capturing the essence of Penfolds’ winemaking philosophy—rich, balanced, and consistent wines accessible from release through mid-term cellaring  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Crafted by the in-house Penfolds winemaking team under Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, the Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet reflects Penfolds’ distinctive blending approach. The team sources fruit from multiple South Australian regions and utilizes subtle oak influence to create approachable yet structured wine that remains stylistically true across vintages  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The fruit is sourced from premium vineyards across South Australia—particularly from the warm, fertile soils of the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. These regions, with Mediterranean and maritime influences, provide Shiraz with rich, fleshy fruit and Cabernet Sauvignon with fine-grained structure and tannin backbone  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

The Shiraz and Cabernet components are fermented separately before blending. Maturation occurs in a subtle mix of French and American oak, allowing for structural integration while preserving the primary fruit expression and delivering balanced tannins and oak presence  .

Tasting Notes

Visually vibrant plum; aromatically perfumed with white pepper, sumac spice, pomegranate molasses, blackcurrant, and a mineral flint note. On the palate, generous dark berries, plum sauce, pepper-crusted pastrami, green olives, and black-bean beef emerge, framed by fine, focused tannins and succulent acidity for balance and poise  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled red meats such as beef and lamb, roast poultry with herbs, and hearty casseroles. Also a good match for flavorful charcuterie, roasted vegetables, and dishes utilizing black pepper or earthy sauces  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve slightly below room temperature, around 16–18 °C. Decanting for 20–30 minutes allows aromas to open fully. A large red wine glass (Bordeaux-style) enhances the bouquet and layered palate.

Storage and Aging Potential

Optimal drinking window: now through 2030. Store in a stable, cool (12–15 °C), dark environment. With time, fruit will evolve, and tertiary notes such as leather, earth, and savory complexity may develop while maintaining balance and structure  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon (exact percentages not publicly specified)  .

ABV

14.5 %  .