Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

It’s not known exactly when the Kalimna Block 42 was planted but there are suggestions that the vines existed during the latter part of the 19th Century. They could be the oldest Cabernet vines in the world, although the famous Metala Cabernet vineyard in Langhorne Creek was known to have been planted in 1891 so could very well pre-date Kalimna. Regardless, I’ve been there and the vines are truly old. Only very rarely does Penfolds release this as a single vineyard wine, when the Cabernet is so fabulous it can’t possibly be blended. The 2004 Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon was such a vintage. Matured in 100% new American hogsheads for 13 months, it displays a very deep garnet-purple color and profoundly earthy / gamey aromas over black cherry preserves, creme de cassis plus scents of leather, pencil shavings, Mediterranean herbs, black truffles, underbrush and black olives. The elegant, medium-bodied palate is tightly-knit and led by structure with a high level of grainy tannins, very high acid and a long earthy finish. Approachable now, it should continue to evolve and drink to 2025+.

Score: 97

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2025+ 01 December 2010

Bright violet. Jawdroppingly pure bouquet of blackberry, boysenberry, blackcurrant, kirsch, exotic tobacco, graphite and licorice, with a crystalline mineral tone running all the way through. Like liquid velvet in the mouth, showing a stunning melange of dark berry flavors that seem weightless but pack an amazing wallop of flavor. This is only 13.4% alcohol but has the impact of a 17% monster. Finishes on a delicate floral note-and then the blackberry, licorice and candied violet flavors snap back with a vengeance. The finish refuses to die. Penfolds claims that this is one of the oldest plots of cabernet sauvignon on earth, planted in the mid-1880s; the only other bottlings were in 1953 (as Grange Cabernet), 1961, 1963, 1964 and 1996. Remarkable for its concentration, elegance and balance and probably the greatest Australian wine I've been privileged to drink.

Score: 98

Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar 01 July 2006

Cask sample. This is the amazing plot of vines near Moppa north west of Penfolds HQ in Nuri(oopta) with trunks one foot across that was planted, ungrafted of course, in the 1880s. I must say it's the most charming Penfolds wine of the modern era I have ever tasted. I tasted it in May 05 just two weeks after it had been bottled and transported to London and it looked gorgeously untroubled. Amazing blackish purple but very, very fresh - opulent but with great old Cabernet's refreshment factor on the nose (no, not green). There's real energy here and masses of tannin hidden way, way underneath that beautifully playful array of ancient Cabernet flavours. Very long. So well made it could almost be drunk now. 'Just' 13.2 per cent alcohol.

Score: 19

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2012-2028 04 October 2005