Penfolds Quantum Bin 98 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Penfolds Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2019: A Bold Fusion of Hemispheres

Discover the Penfolds Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, the flagship of Penfolds' Californian release and a compelling "Wine of the World" that encapsulates a daring and innovative blending alliance. This exceptional wine masterfully unites prized Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley in the Northern Hemisphere with pedigreed Shiraz from South Australia, creating a seamless expression that transcends geographical boundaries while remaining quintessentially Penfolds.

With a winemaking heritage stretching back to 1844, Penfolds has consistently pushed the frontiers of quality and style. The Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon represents a contemporary chapter in this storied history, showcasing an intercontinental lens on winemaking. It’s a testament to the winery's philosophy of sourcing the finest grapes, regardless of origin, to craft wines of unparalleled complexity and character. The 2019 vintage, as noted by Penfolds Red Winemaker Andrew Baldwin, is "A terrific follow on from the inaugural 2018 vintage," further cementing Quantum's place within the Penfolds family of fine wines.

The 2019 vintage conditions were favourable in both hemispheres. Napa Valley experienced good winter rainfall, ensuring saturated soils for the growing season, which proceeded at a slightly later pace, yielding Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with bright acidity, powdery tannins, and strong varietal flavours. In South Australia, average winter and spring rainfall provided healthy soil moisture. A typically warm, dry summer, devoid of adverse heatwaves, was followed by dry conditions during the final ripening stages, favouring fully ripened grapes with well-developed colours and flavours, ideal for the Shiraz component.

Tasting Notes: A Global Symphony of Flavours

The Penfolds Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a wine of remarkable depth and intricacy, offering an aromatic and palate experience that is both familiar and thrillingly different.

• Colour: The wine exhibits a vibrant purple core with a distinct garnet rim, signalling both its youthful intensity and its sophisticated development.
• Nose: The aromatic profile is truly captivating, seeming to transcend time and place. It is at once recognisably Penfolds, yet viewed through an exciting intercontinental lens. A gentle swirl in a generously proportioned glass will elicit a treasure trove of sweet, seamlessly woven notes. The pâtisserie has indeed been busy: aromas of crème brûlée, delicate vanilla bean bavarois, rich Christmas pudding, and classic tiramisu compete for attention alongside intriguing hints of liquorice, aniseed, and refreshing strawberry sorbet. Complementing these sweeter elements are compelling savoury aromas of air-dried bresaola, smoked duck breast, and finely sliced beef carpaccio, which combine to induce a healthy appetite in the beholder.
• Palate: The palate is dense, brooding, and impressively structured. The sweet notes detected on the nose manifest as complex flavours of dark, slightly bitter chocolate intertwined with luxurious hazelnut praline. A fascinating ferric impression emerges, akin to the metallic tang of old coins, the earthiness of wet ironstone, and the savoury depth of fresh black pudding. Notes of Italian chinotto, with its characteristic bitter orange profile, served on ice, add another layer of intrigue. Exotic Middle Eastern spices, such as dukkah and za’atar, round out a truly captivating and multi-layered palate. The acidity is notably fresh and lively, keeping the perceptual sweetness of the fruit perfectly in check and lending considerable vibrancy. The tannins are generous and structural, reminiscent of the fine, textural grip found in freshly brewed Lapsang Souchong tea, providing a framework for decades of ageing.

Serving Suggestions for an Optimal Experience

To fully appreciate the Penfolds Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, with its complex character and significant ageing potential (peak drinking suggested from now until 2053), careful serving is advised.

• Temperature: Serve at a cool room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C (60-64°F).
• Decanting: Given its youth, density, and structural tannins, decanting for at least one to two hours before serving is highly recommended. This will allow the wine to open up, softening the tannins and enabling its complex aromatics to fully express themselves.
• Glassware: Use large Bordeaux-style glasses with a generous bowl to allow for ample aeration and to concentrate the wine's multifaceted bouquet.

Detailed Food Matches: A Culinary Exploration

The bold flavours, intricate spice notes, and robust structure of the Penfolds Quantum 2019 make it an exceptional partner for a range of sophisticated and richly flavoured dishes.

• Prime Red Meats: Seared or grilled prime cuts of beef, such as a well-marbled ribeye from Napa or a rich fillet steak, would be superb. Consider dishes incorporating earthy elements like wild mushrooms or a truffle jus.
• Roasted Game: Rich game dishes, including roast venison with a dark berry reduction, or slow-cooked wild boar, will harmonise beautifully with the wine's depth and savoury notes.
• Sophisticated Barbecue: Think beyond simple grilling. Smoked beef brisket with a complex spice rub, or gourmet lamb burgers infused with herbs and spices, would stand up well to Quantum's profile.
• Dishes with Exotic Spices: The wine’s own notes of dukkah and za’atar suggest pairings with Middle Eastern-inspired lamb dishes, perhaps a slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with aromatic spices and herbs.
• Aged Hard Cheeses: (See specific cheese pairing below).

Cheese Pairing Recommendation:

For a cheese pairing to complement the Penfolds Quantum 2019, select a mature, hard cheese with bold flavours and a firm texture. An excellent choice would be a British Vintage Lincolnshire Poacher. This cheese typically exhibits a rich, nutty, and sometimes pineapple-like fruitiness, with a satisfyingly dense and occasionally crystalline texture. Its robust character and savoury depth will stand shoulder to shoulder with Quantum's intensity, while its inherent complexity will echo the wine's multifaceted nature, creating a truly distinguished pairing.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim:

The Penfolds Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has garnered significant praise from leading wine critics, a testament to its outstanding quality and innovative spirit:

• 19+/20 Points - Matthew Jukes
• 98 Points - Andrew Caillard MW
• 98 Points - Dave Brookes
• 98 Points - Ken Gargett
• 97 Points - Huon Hooke

The Penfolds Quantum Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a visionary wine, a bold statement of Penfolds' ability to craft extraordinary wines that capture the essence of diverse terroirs while maintaining an unmistakable house style. It offers a compelling drinking experience now and promises an incredible journey of evolution for those who choose to cellar it.