Deep red in color with a faint purple hue, the 2009 Hyland is redolent of fresh black cherry and blueberries
backed by hints of smoke, eucalyptus, chocolate and espresso. The flavors in the mouth are consistent with
the aromas, but enlivened by a joyfully juicy acidity and hints of bay, vanilla and orange. The dry summers
and well-draining soil ensures that the grapes get amply ripe, resulting here in a plump, round, exuberantly
fruity wine that will age nicely in the short term, but has enough softness to be enjoyed today.
Black and red currant, black plum, marionberry and mocha.
Coonawarra, an aboriginal word meaning “honeysuckle,” is a renowned wine region on South Australia’s
limestone coast. Located midway between Adelaide and Melbourne, this inland region is best known for
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grown in its famous “Terra Rossa” (red clay over limestone) soils. For
Penley Estate founder Kym Tolley, his career as a winemaker might seem to be less a matter of choice than
of destiny: On his mother’s side, he is a direct descendant of Penfolds’ founder Dr. Christopher Rawson
Penfold, and on his father’s side, he is a Tolley, another one of Australia’s pioneering wine families. And
yet, ask the unassuming Australian what he would do if he were not a winemaker and the answer is simple:
“I’ve not been able to think of anything else I’d prefer to do,” he says. “Winemaking satisfies all my
creative urges, along with my need for discipline.” In the 20 years since establishing Penley Estate in
Australia’s Coonawarra region, Tolley has guided the winery to an international reputation for superbly
crafted wines of unusual elegance and depth.
While styles of Australian Shiraz can vary dramatically, most of them feature a softer, fuller body than other
reds, which offers intriguing pairing opportunities with red meat, game and other full-flavored fare. Without
overwhelmingly youthful tannins or screeching acidity, the Penley is also a worthy accompaniment to spicier
preparations, such as Moroccan lamb stew, Korean sizzling beef or roast pork with mole sauce. But, above
all else, this wine loves a good barbecue!
Penfolds Grange Shiraz is widely considered Australia’s “first growth" and is Australia’s most collectable
wine. No wonder Kym Tolley is proud of his family’s winemaking heritage.
