Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2022 is a classic expression of South Australian winemaking, blending two of the country’s hallmark grape varieties. While the precise proportions of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon may vary from vintage to vintage, this style is renowned for its approachability, depth, and ability to showcase both fruit vibrancy and structure. With a 2022 vintage, you’re likely to experience an energetic and youthful character, where ripe blackberries and plums from Shiraz meet the dark cassis and gentle tannins typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of spice, subtle oak, and a hint of chocolate often round out the palate, offering good balance and a generous, lingering finish. Penfolds’ careful vinification—blending multiple parcels and maturing with a measured touch of oak—aims to create a consistent house style each year: rich, smooth, and crowd-pleasing.
South Australia is the heartland of Australian wine, boasting a wealth of climates and soils that allow for great versatility in grape-growing. From the warm inland regions where sun-drenched vines yield bold fruit, to the cooler influences of the coast, South Australian vineyards span a wide array of terroirs. The history of the region is deeply intertwined with the legacy of producers like Penfolds, whose story dates back to the 1840s and whose innovations have shaped Australian wine on the global scene. Predominantly red clay and limestone soils lend natural concentration and structure to the area’s best wines, while a tradition of careful blending has become a hallmark of the region.
A versatile red blend such as this pairs excellently with a range of dishes. Classic combinations include grilled lamb chops, roast beef, or barbecued ribs, where the wine’s fruit and spice complement savoury flavours and smoky notes. For a touch of the local, you might consider trying it alongside an Australian beef pie or charred kangaroo fillet. Hard cheeses and hearty vegetarian casseroles also make good companions for the wine’s supple texture and fruit-laden palate.
For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16-18°C. Allowing the wine a little time to breathe before tasting will further enhance its aromatic complexity and refinement. This bottle is ready to drink, offering immediate pleasure, but it can also benefit from a couple of years’ cellaring if you enjoy more harmonious, integrated flavours.
