The philosophy of Oyster Bay is to produce fine, distinctly regional wines that are elegant and assertive with glorious fruit flavours. An affordable, everyday luxury.

The philosophy of Oyster Bay is to produce fine, distinctly regional wines that are elegant and assertive with glorious fruit flavours. An affordable, everyday luxury.

Excellent quality and value - perfect for family gatherings and BBQ's!

Excellent quality and value - perfect for family gatherings and BBQ's!

Excellent quality and value - perfect for family gatherings and BBQ's!

Rich, concentrated and mouth coating, showing plum and dark cherry supported by underlying chocolate and vanilla. Fine tannins, elegant structure balance and length.

The palate is generously full and fruity with plush velvety tannins that lead on to a lingering tangy aftertaste. While ready to drink on release we expect this wine to improve for several years and live for well over a decade with careful cellaring.

Upon release the wine is bright ruby in colour. There is a teasing array of vibrant red fruit on the nose including raspberry, pomegranate, cherry and plum. Spice and herbal notes, as well as a savoury underlay, add to the wine's complexity. While the palate has generous fruit weight and velvety tannins, it is balanced with refreshing acidity and a structure that gives the wine classic North Canterbury tension and pinosity.

The palate is immediately enveloped by cocoa powder-like tannins - smooth yet profound in their impact. The wine boasts volumes of Cabernet character, showcasing cool fruits that are well lifted and vibrant. A barrel ferment nuance adds depth without overshadowing the fruit's purity. Sourdough notes bring a rustic edge which complement the lush profiles of plum fruits, blackberry, mulberry, wild cherries and more distinctly tart morello cherries.

The core is undeniably sweet/rich yet sophisticated. The wine opens expansively - firm in structure yet big and glossy on approach. Tannins are remarkably balanced; they assert their presence without detracting from the lush blackcurrant fruit at its heart. Freshness is maintained through lively acidity, contributing greatly to the wine's depth and length. Well-integrated oak underpins these flavours without overwhelming them - focused and enhancing rather than competing with the fruit profile. A hint of Sarsaparilla adds an unexpected twist that lingers into the finish.

Well-regarded since launch, the Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the typical cellarability that all Penfolds wines are renowned for. The wine has excellent structure and length and while it is ready for drinking now, it will gain further complexity with short term cellaring.