Scuffed Capsule
Overview
Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz is a single-vineyard wine intrinsically linked to the origins of Penfolds. Sourced from the historic Magill vineyard on the edge of Adelaide's eastern suburbs, just eight kilometres from the CBD, the fruit is crushed, fermented and matured on-site at the original winery established in 1844. First produced in 1983, Magill Estate is an elegant, medium-weight expression of Shiraz made using traditional techniques.
Vintage
Winter and spring rainfall were well below average, with dry conditions and above-average temperatures resulting in early budburst. A cold spell in September subsequently slowed vine development, while a hot, dry summer delayed veraison. Unseasonably mild conditions in early February allowed the vines to recover before hand harvesting from 26 to 28 February.
Vineyard & Winemaking
The 2019 Magill Estate Shiraz was hand-picked from the Magill vineyard and vinified in open fermenters before basket pressing to complete fermentation in barrel. The wine matured for 18 months in French oak hogsheads (26% new) and American oak hogsheads (6% new).
Producer Tasting Notes
Penfolds: “Raspberry coulis, seed of plum/dark cherry and anise. Please excuse the chocolate penchant … but where to begin? • Chocolate fondue (self-melting) with crushed nuts. • Chocolate coated ginger. • Black Forest cake and ‘real’ Rocky Road with cherry. ‘Italianesque’ acidity and salivating tannins collude to deliver a mouth-watering finish.”
Critic Reviews
96/100 — Falstaff
“Bright, deep dark ruby with an opaque core, purple reflections and a discreet bright rim. Intense red fruit on the nose with some cranberries, ethereal nuances of pine needles, some lavender, thyme, this is a multi-faceted and fascinating bouquet. Complex, silky and sweet on the palate, ripe, well-integrated tannins, this shows great length with vanilla and fine nougat on the finish. A powerful, juicy immediately convincing wine with good ageing potential.”
Tasted January 2021
94/100 — Wine Spectator
Tasted November 2021
93/100 — Gismondi on Wine
“Magill Estate is always French and American oak, always made in open-top-fermenters, and always basket-pressed. Like Grange and 707, it always completes its fermentation in barrel, the same way Magill reds were made 177 years ago. Eight kilometres from Adelaide, the 1844 site has been completely overhauled and resurrected under winemaker Peter Gago’s eye as a tribute to the property's stature within the Penfolds ethos. It is a refined version of Oz shiraz with medium weight and soft, lush textures with a rush of savoury dried herbs, a touch of roasted meat, a dusting of oak, and black fruit.”
Tasted September 2021
Specifications
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Vintage: 2019
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Grape Variety: Shiraz
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Region: South Australia, Australia
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Vineyard: Magill Estate Vineyard
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Alcohol: 14.5%
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Sweetness: Dry
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Harvest: Hand-picked, 26–28 February
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Fermentation: Open fermenters; basket pressed to complete fermentation in barrel
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Maturation: 18 months in French and American oak hogsheads
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Oak Type: French oak (26% new) and American oak (6% new)
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Winemaker: Peter Gago
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Drinking Window: 2021–2039
