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.
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.