Penfolds French Winemaking Trial 585 2019

An Australian wine made from Bordeaux grapes

The estate

Voted New World Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, the Penfolds estate had already established itself as an emblem of Australia's great wines thanks to the unparalleled determination of Mary Penfold in the 19th century. Indeed, the co-founder of Penfolds Winery devoted herself body and soul to crafting exceptional wines. This lifelong work is reflected in the estate's success in establishing itself as a benchmark among the wines of Southern Australia. When Max Schubert joined the Penfolds adventure in the 1950s, he instilled in the estate's wines the elegance of the great Bordeaux wines that fascinated him so much. Success was not long in coming when the cellar master signed his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to conquer wine lovers around the world.

The wine

Penfolds II is a project initiated in 2013 between Penfolds and Dourthe, a house specializing in Bordeaux wine production since 1840. Upholding shared values and boasting a strong relationship since their meeting at Vinexpo Bordeaux in 2013, Penfolds and Dourthe share the common goal of creating the first Franco-Australian "Wine of the World". Penfolds FWT (French Winemaking Trial) 585 comes from exceptional vineyards in the Médoc region, vinified using traditional Penfolds techniques. The House style is marked by a philosophy of grape selection and quality wine blending. "Wine of the World" represents the beginning of a new chapter for Penfolds in France. Produced as a Vin de France, Penfolds FWT 585 symbolizes the meeting, around the 2019 vintage, of two hemispheres. Indeed, the Médoc grape varieties Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot were vinified using rigorous methods within the Penfolds cellars.

The vintage

The Médoc temperatures, initially cold in winter, warmed up until March, resulting in budburst two weeks earlier than average. The vines struggled to develop due to recurring temperature fluctuations until June. May was stable and dry, allowing flowering to take place without hindrance. At the end of June, heatwave periods began, but thanks to the cover crops, the vines suffered less. Rains only appeared in September; the fruit was able to ripen in the best climatic conditions. The grapes were harvested under optimal conditions.

Blend
53% Cabernet Sauvignon
34% Merlot
13% Petit Verdot

Characteristics and tasting tips for Penfolds FWT 585 from Penfolds

Tasting

Color
This wine has a dark garnet color.

Nose
Aromas of red fruit and herbs such as sage, accompanied by floral notes of violet, emanate from this cuvée.

Palate
The palate is taut, supple and round all at once. Pastry notes such as crème brûlée and vanilla take hold of this Australian wine. Aromas of ginger and candied fruit, as well as a leathery and mineral aspect, affirm the complexity of this wine. Present tannins and beautiful acidity balance this cuvée.

Food and wine pairing

To accompany this wine, charcuterie such as bresaola is ideal.

Service

The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees.

Cellaring

Penfolds FWT 585 can be enjoyed until 2037.