Penfolds French Winemaking Trial 585 2019

An Australian wine made from Bordeaux varieties

The estate

Named 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 great Australian wines thanks to the unmatched determination of Mary Penfold in the 19th century. Indeed, the co-founder of Penfolds Winery devoted herself heart and soul to crafting exceptional wines. This lifetime of work is reflected in the estate’s success in becoming a benchmark among the wines of South Australia. When Max Schubert joined the Penfolds journey in the 1950s, he brought to the estate’s wines the elegance of the great Bordeaux wines that fascinated him so much. Success was quick to follow when the cellar master created his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australia’s borders to win over wine lovers around the world.

The wine

Penfolds II is a project launched in 2013 between Penfolds and Dourthe, a house specializing since 1840 in the production of Bordeaux wines. United by shared values and strengthened by a close relationship since their meeting at Vinexpo Bordeaux in 2013, Penfolds and Dourthe share the ambition to create the first Franco-Australian "Wine of the World". Penfolds FWT (French Winemaking Trial) 585 comes from exceptional vineyards in the Médoc, vinified using Penfolds’ traditional techniques. The House style is shaped by a philosophy centered on grape selection and the blending of quality wines. "Wine of the World" marks the beginning of a new chapter for Penfolds in France. Produced as a Vin de France, Penfolds FWT 585 symbolizes, around the 2019 vintage, the meeting of two hemispheres. The Médoc varieties cabernet, merlot, and petit verdot were vinified using rigorous methods in the Penfolds cellars.

Vintage

Médoc temperatures, initially cold in winter, warmed up through March, leading to budbreak 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 issue. At the end of June, heatwave periods began, but thanks to cover crops, the vines suffered less. Rain did not arrive until September, and the fruit was able to ripen under ideal climatic conditions. The grapes were harvested in optimal conditions.

Blend
53% cabernet sauvignon
34% merlot
13% petit verdot

Characteristics and tasting tips for Penfolds FWT 585 by Penfolds

Tasting

Color
This wine displays a deep garnet color.

Nose
Aromas of red fruits, along with herbs such as sage, are accompanied by floral notes of violet in this cuvée.

Palate
The palate is taut, supple, and rounded all at once. Pastry-like notes such as crème brûlée and vanilla take hold of this Australian wine. Aromas of ginger and candied fruits, along with a leathery, mineral edge, underscore the wine’s complexity. Present tannins and bright acidity bring balance to this cuvée.

Food and wine pairings

To accompany this wine, cured meats such as bresaola are an excellent choice.

Serving

The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees.

Aging potential

Penfolds FWT 585 can be enjoyed through 2037.