2004 Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon

Fine, silky tannins and richly concentrated flavours are in perfect harmony.

The sheer volume and weight of fruit explodes across the palate, giving tremendous depth and length of flavour.

Peter Gago, Penfolds chief winemaker

97/100

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+.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, www.erobertparker.com, December 2010

97/100

Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, November 2005

100/100

James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com, November 2011