How is Penfolds multi-regional blending philosophy central to House Style?
Depending on the season, each region may experience favourable or unfavourable conditions in any particular year. As a result, you taste more variability with vintages sourced from a single region. For Penfolds, even in variable years, our multi-regional sourcing ensures we can select the best fruit from the best winemaking regions around the world and maintain our consistent House Style.
Coonawarra is spoken of as having a quintessential stamp. In your view, what defines its character, and how does it reveal itself across different Penfolds wines?
Coonawarra produces some of the best Cabernet fruit you will ever see. It is difficult to look past the importance of Cabernet to Penfolds with wines such as Bin 707, Bin 169, Bin 389, and Bin 407. In great Coonawarra Cabernet years, that results in immense colour and concentration, and fruit sweetness that marries perfectly to the structure Cabernet brings. The wines are perfumed and textural, leaving lasting flavour and refined tannins.
Shiraz from Coonawarra is also important to Penfolds as it bring in a point of difference. Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz is a lovely, medium-bodied wine that expresses the region though its spice and red berry perfume. Both Shiraz and Cabernet from Coonawarra are showcased in Penfolds Special Bins including Bin 60A, Bin 620 and Bin 180.
Penfolds reds are defined by generosity and longevity. When it comes to white wines, how would you articulate the Penfolds House Style?
Penfolds white wines are complex, yet focused and powerful. Yattarna is a clear example of this and one of my favourite Penfolds wines. Arguably the most important component in Penfolds whites is the quality of fruit sourcing, along with careful winemaking techniques. For Chardonnay in particular, barrel selection is key to ensuring House Style is maintained.
Kym Schroeter has been a winemaker with Penfolds for 40 years and has crafted Penfolds Riesling and Chardonnay in the same frame as Penfolds red wines – to be enjoyed in the present, whilst also able to last long into the future with careful cellaring.
Finally, how does working internationally broaden your perspective and inspire your winemaking?
What I find fascinating about winemaking is that there is so much that we are yet to discover. I feel fortunate to be part of a team that is willing to explore this unknown and push boundaries. I learn everywhere I go and every day I discover something new, and that is a constant source of inspiration for me.
