2018 Penley Estate 'Tolmer' Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra Australia

• "Both Elegant and Fierce" ~94 Wine Enthusiast
• Penley = Penfolds + Tolley, Honoring Two Legendary Wine Families
• Connections to Iconic Aussie Winery Penfolds
• From Australia's Famous Cab Producing Region
• Produced by Australia's "Winemaker of the Year" in 2018
• Free shipping on 6 or more bottles

About The Wine

Penley Estate is a winery born from a unique and powerful family legacy. The Tolley sisters, Bec and Ang, carry on a winemaking tradition that blends the history of two legendary Australian wine families: Penfolds and Tolley. While Penley is the product of these two great lineages, it’s the Tolley family who’s the direct link, founding Penley Estate as a tribute to both legacies.

The Penley name itself is a playful fusion of Penfolds and Tolley, celebrating the historic roots of both families. The Penfolds brand—born in 1844 through Mary Penfold, a true pioneer in the industry—helped set the stage for what we now know as Australian winemaking royalty. Gladys Penfold Hyland, one of Mary’s descendants, furthered this legacy as Penfold’s first female Chairman of the Board. And now, through the Tolley sisters, the Penfold and Tolley spirits live on in every bottle.

This Cabernet is grown on Coonawarra’s “Terra Rossa” soils—the region's golden ticket to world-class wines. Think of the rich, deep flavors of blackcurrant, cassis, and a hint of earthy spice—signature Coonawarra characteristics that make this wine a real gem. Bold, yet silky smooth, it’s the kind of wine that begs for another sip. And the best part? It has all the power of Wynns or Yalumba but at a fraction of the price.

Behind this magic is Kate Goodman, one of Australia’s top winemakers. With a career that includes time at legendary wineries like Wirra Wirra, Seppelt, and Punt Road, Kate’s expertise is why Penley’s wines are absolutely stunning. In 2018, she was named “Winemaker of the Year” at the Australian Women in Wine Awards—a well-deserved recognition for the woman who’s been crafting wines that speak for themselves.

Tasting Notes

Red Wine. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Tolmer is a modern expression of Coonawarra cabernet showcasing intense blackcurrants and savory notes of French oak. It's medium-bodied without being heavy and has a generous core of juicy fruits with well-integrated chalky tannins. The seamless finish rounds off a bright, fragrant wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years.

Reviews

The female clad label on this wine is both elegant and fierce, a reflection of the rock star team of women responsible for the liquid inside. This wine walks a deft line between power and restraint, layering flavors of plush dark berries with graphite, mint, bay leaf, black olive, and earthy spice. The palate is linear and tightly knit with chalky tannins that lend length and complexity. ~94 Wine Enthusiast

Dense and toothsome, with sink-your-teeth-into-them tannins that add a wonderful richness and density to the generous flavors of dark chocolate–covered coffee bean, kirsch, sage, and cassis. The harmony keeps building on the finish. ~93 Wine Spectator 

The 2018 Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon boasts classic cassis aromas, tinged with mint and cedar. It's medium-bodied and slightly dusty on the palate, with a fine sense of proportion and balance. Not heavy or overly rich, it provides plenty of flavor while finishing fresh and clean. ~91 Wine Advocate