Penfolds Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Details

Penfolds Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Australia's most iconic wines. The 10-acre plot was planted in 1880s, making it the oldest plantings of cabernet continuously produced in the world.

Provenance is crucial when buying wines of this price and age. I purchased this wine at release and have had it stored in my own temperature controlled cellar since that time. The bottle is in immaculate condition. I have only recently decided to offer it for sale.

"When you find a great Aussie Cabernet, they really are something. For example, the 2004 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley Kalimna Block 42 blew me away, although Barossa is not necessarily known as a region for Cabernet. I gave the wine a perfect 100 points. It's one of the few Barossa reds that shows an incredible complexity, richness and power without being over-the-top or overly alcoholic. Balance with intensity is what comes to mind. It's part of Penfolds' "Special Bin" program and made from vines planted in the mid-1880s, which are still alive and flourishing on their own rootstock. These are what some believe are the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world. About 500 cases were made. It's only been made twice: 2004 and 1996."
100 points. James Suckling 2011.

"Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience “Dream Fourteen” tasting with Peter Gago. Sourced directly from Penfolds’ library reserves, the Kalimna Block 42 has a deep garnet/purple core. A huge, ostentatious bouquet: macerated black cherries, orange liqueur, over-ripe tangerines and a touch of cloves. You just want it to calm down but you will have to wait a decade. The palate is full-bodied with chewy tannins, a touch of spice, exuberant summer fruits, a touch of fresh fig. Bizarrely there is a flavour profile that reminds me of a Tokaji Essenzia on the finish and yet I cannot deny that this wine is beautifully balanced. Decadent, brazen, outrageous and downright sexy. Drink 2020-2040+ Tasted October 2009."
97 points. Neal Martin. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. 2009

"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+."
97 points. Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW. The Wine Advocate. 2010.

Specifications