Made from equal parts Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, all grown on Penley’s estate vineyard in Coonawarra. Half of the parcel was handpicked and fermented as 100% whole bunch, with carbonic maceration bringing fragrance, lift and lightness. The other half was selectively machine harvested and fermented as whole berries, with gentle daily pumpovers to build depth and flavour. The two components were then blended and aged in stainless steel for three months.
The 2023 vintage was shaped by a third consecutive La Niña event. After a dry winter, spring rainfall came in around 30% above average, helping restore balance in the vineyard and support healthy canopies. A dry January gave the vineyard team some relief before rain returned from February through to harvest. The cooler ripening period produced a lighter, fresher style of wine, with strong flavour development and bright natural acidity.