Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience “Dream Fourteen” tasting with Peter Gago, who commented that this legendary wine was never commercially sold and that just 425 cases were ever made. Sourced directly from Penfolds’ library reserves, at 47-years of age it has a deep brick core commensurate with its age. The nose takes time to get going, but it is worth the wait. Very refined with soft red-berried fruit, saddle-leather, sandalwood, a touch of undergrowth and a little thyme, it simply oozes class and somehow reminds me of a mature Cheval Blanc! The palate is medium-bodied, beautifully balanced with seamless tannin, ineffably refined to the point of being understated. Yet still lively and vigorous with vestiges of fruit such as cranberry and wild strawberry, leading to a poised, languid finish that you wish would go on forever. This is a legend that lives up to the billing. Drink now. Tasted October 2009.
Source: Robert Parker.