2019 Penfolds, Quantum, Bin 98 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine of the World

‘Wine of the world’ says the label – Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley with 8–10% Shiraz from South Australia. Napa Valley enjoyed good winter rainfall and spring was cooler and wetter than in recent years, resulting in a two-week delay in budburst and flowering. Harvest was one to two weeks later than usual with yields close to the long-term average. Cool conditions in South Australia slowed vine growth in early spring. Late budburst, flowering and veraison delayed the start of harvest but the prevailing autumnal conditions reportedly favoured fully ripened grapes. Aged for 16 months in American oak 80% new) and French oak 20% new) barriques. TA 6.53 g/l, pH 3.73.

American oak to the fore in this California/Australia blend why?). Very deep purple. Very much more Australian than Napa! Rich and round to begin with and yet followed by a certain leatheriness of texture. Clean finish and I really do feel as though my palate has been rinsed! Not that long but well-balanced and already offers some pleasure.

Drink 2023 - 2045

Quantum has so much more balance and refinement than I find in Bin 149. With harmony, succulence, genuine fruit ripeness without over-ripeness) and gorgeous, subtle oak control, this is a superbly stylish wine with a very long finish that stays perfectly balanced and civilised throughout. While the concept is still a little baffling, this is a marvellously convincing wine. 

Drink 2025 - 2050

South Australian and Napa fruit. A large-framed salubrious wine, reminding me of the sort of thing airlines should pour at the pointy end of the plane: impactful, with an emphasis on the fruit. Coffee-bean American oak nuances drift to a sweet, sappy finishing oozing creme de cassis, raspberry bon bon, boozy dried fruits, milk chocolate and licorice strap. A long finish driven by force of personality over freshness. A powerful, chunky sort of thing. A crowd pleaser.

Drink or hold

Matured for 16 months in American oak 80% new) and French oak 20% new). 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

The 2019 Quantum Bin 98 is a blend of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and South Australian Shiraz 8%). The wine is intense and concentrated, but there is levity on the mid-palate, which is interesting among all the intense fruit! For all the exuberance, there seems little exaggeration; the wine is long, fine and persistent. No Quantum was made in 2020.

Drink 2023 - 2053

Following on from the highly-rated 2018 vintage released in 2021) this second edition of Penfolds' first Wine of the World continues to blend prime Napa Valley fruit about 87%) with top parcels of Shiraz sourced from around South Australia, maturing the whole for 16 months in American 80% new) and French 20% new) barriques.

Chocolate, coffee and coconut are the key flavour profiles here, enmeshing with spiced fruitcake, liquorice and more savoury tarmac notes. Very intense in flavour yet surprisingly lifted in its density thanks to brisk acidity, before a raft of structured tannins and charred oak weigh in. Impressive grip and power, and while its youthful generosity can be appreciated now, it will no doubt reward with careful cellaring.

Drink now to 2053

The 2019 Quantum Bin 98, a richly endowed and thoroughbred blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from California and South Australia, is classic in every way. It's an iron fist in a velvet globe with its decadent blackcurrant, liquorice and chocolate aromas. It has a strong, sweet backbone of oak. All the pieces are in unison. A striking palate, with powerful fruit and rich tannins, drives a full-throttle but beautifully balanced package through to a long, energetic and gravelly finish.

Drink 2028 - 2050