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Red wine | South Australia
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Penfolds Koonunga Hill Seventy Six Shiraz Cabernet is a masterful tribute to one of Australia’s most legendary wine releases: the original 1976 Koonunga Hill Claret. Since its inception, the Koonunga Hill range has been a global benchmark for quality, consistency, and the unique 'Penfolds style,' and the 'Seventy Six' bottling stands as its most expressive, premium-tier chapter. Crafted as a multi-regional blend, this wine draws on the finest fruit from South Australia’s premier viticultural areas, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. This careful selection allows the winemakers to combine the structural depth and dark fruit intensity of Shiraz with the elegance, freshness, and firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon.
On the nose, the wine delivers the hallmark aromatic complexity that collectors associate with the brand: intense layers of ripe blackberry, cassis, and plum are expertly intertwined with hints of smoked spice, vanilla, and dark chocolate derived from 11 months of maturation in American oak hogsheads. On the palate, it is bold yet beautifully balanced, offering a rich, mouth-filling texture that remains vibrant and approachable. The interplay between the plush Shiraz fruit and the taut, structured Cabernet creates a wine that is both powerful and refined.
This is a versatile, food-friendly red that perfectly reflects the richness of Australian winemaking. It is the ideal companion for hearty dishes—think slow-cooked lamb, grilled beef, or even rich Mediterranean-inspired recipes like Moussaka. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Penfolds’ iconic heritage or a newcomer looking to discover the quality of South Australian blends, this wine offers an exceptional experience. With its solid structure and complex finish, it is drinking beautifully now but also possesses the aging potential to evolve gracefully in your cellar for the next 3–6 years. Simply uncork (or unscrew) and let it breathe for an hour to allow its complex layers to fully unfold in your glass.