Hi Octave
I guess it depends on what you are specifically looking for, the good
thing about a label as diverse as Penfolds is that there is always
something for every one. For pure quality and great drinking you won't
be disapointed by the Penfolds RWT Barossa Shiraz 2001. This is a
supreme example of the style The nose is youthful with notes of crushed
berries, plum, liquorice and confectionary. The palate is concentrated
and mouthfilling displaying typical Barossa weight and richness.
Flavours of ripe plums, blackberry, liquorice and spice. Opulently
textured with silky smooth tannins. Great power, density and length
will continue to improve for 8 to 10 years. This costs around $150 Oz.
If you were after a very different expression of the style then the
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 1999 at around $50 Oz would be an excellent
choice also. This is matured in very large, old oak casks thus putting
less emphasis on oak flavour contribution and more on the fruit
flavours. Very deep black crimson colour, with deep crimson hue.
Excellent lifted nose with notes of spice, plum, old leather and dark
chocolate aromas emerging. The palate flavours are perfectly
integrated, with flavours of spice, plum, earth, black pepper and
liquorice, with a complexing layer due to bottle age. Fine grained
perfectly balanced tannins, followed by a very long aftertaste of
spice, black pepper and liquorice. This is a very stylish wine indeed.
These are just a couple of suggestions for some particular vintages for
whose quality I can attest. Good luck, let us know what you end up
getting.
Cheers Andrew