Penfolds II Dourthe Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a limited release of extraordinary ambition — born from a quest to create something real, different, and aspiringly lofty. The result of a remarkable collaboration between Penfolds and their trusted Bordeaux partner Dourthe, this wine brings together the finest Cabernet Sauvignon from two of the world’s greatest regions: 64% Bordeaux and 32% Coonawarra. Matured in predominantly new French oak, it has earned 96 points from Ken Gargett and 95 points from Decanter, Halliday Wine Companion, The Real Review, and Ray Jordan. Peak drinking 2026–2052. A wine of the world.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep magenta, opaque at the core — the rich, concentrated colour of a limited release Cabernet Sauvignon of genuine ambition, sourced from two of the world’s greatest Cabernet regions and matured in predominantly new French oak.
Aroma
Brooding and deeply complex — a saturation of black fruits, predominantly blackcurrant and cassis with rosehip and damson, meshed with black olive tapenade and prosciutto. A heady perfume of garrigue — rosemary, sage, bay leaves, thyme, juniper, lavender, and mint — with star anise and musk adding intrigue. An initial impression of char and soot gives way to graphite and cigar box upon sitting. Real depth. Perceptually classic, yet entirely its own.
Palate
Immediately seduced by exotic yet restrained fruits — fresh blackcurrant, boysenberry, and mulberry — with an underlying gamey meatiness of cured meats and venison carpaccio. Granular tannins of mouthwatering grip complement the density of the palate — not quite Italian, but geographically heading that way. A minerality manifested as quarry stone with quartz and granite heaviness; polished oak and graphite affording a subtle conveyance to the back palate. Density, saturation, and grip define the structure. A taut muscularity. Roundness. Completeness. Otherness.
Pairs With
A wine of this ambition deserves the finest table — aged prime beef, venison, duck confit, truffle-based dishes, and aged hard cheeses are natural companions. Equally rewarding now with decanting, and will develop extraordinary complexity through to 2052.
Finish
Long, structured, and deeply satisfying — graphite, cigar box, blackcurrant, and the garrigue perfume of Bordeaux lingering together in a close of genuine distinction. A wine of the world.
Awards
Ken Gargett — 96 Points
David Sly, Decanter — 95 Points
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion — 95 Points
Huon Hooke, The Real Review — 95 Points
Ray Jordan — 95 Points
