1994 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 750ml

Overview

The 1994 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz represents only the twelfth vintage of this historically significant label. Produced entirely from Penfolds' original Adelaide vineyard, it is a mature and increasingly scarce example of one of Australia's most important single-vineyard wines.

Historic Vineyard

Magill Estate was established by Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold in 1844 and was the first vineyard planted by the Penfold family. Located in the Adelaide foothills, the 5.2-hectare vineyard is planted entirely to Shiraz, with vines dating from 1951 to 1985. The vines are hand-pruned and the fruit is harvested by hand.

Vintage

The 1994 Adelaide growing season was trouble-free, with mild conditions and timely rainfall. Magill Estate produced an excellent yield of high-quality Shiraz, harvested between 7 and 16 March 1994.

Winemaking and Maturation

The wine was matured for 14 months in new American and French oak barrels. This traditional treatment supported the concentrated estate fruit with cedar, vanilla and spice while preserving its full-bodied structure and fine tannins.

Tasting Profile

Producer Tasting Note: Dense, dark brick-red. The bouquet displays a rich and complex assortment of fruit, spice and tobacco aromas with underlying peppery, gamey characters and beautifully melded cedary oak showing hints of vanillin. Traditional and full bodied in style, this classic wine shows fruit intensity across the whole palate and a delicate balance of very fine, lingering tannins.

Critic Reviews

91 Points - Jeremy Oliver
Tasted January 2003
Drinking Window: 2002-2012

90 Points - Wine Spectator
Tasted May 1998

Specifications

• Vintage: 1994
• Producer: Penfolds
• Variety: 100% Shiraz
• Vineyard: Magill Estate Vineyard
• Vineyard Size: 5.2 hectares
• Region: Adelaide, South Australia
• Country: Australia
• Harvest: 7-16 March 1994
• Maturation: 14 months in new American and French oak
• Alcohol: 13%
• Acidity: 7g/L
• pH: 3.45
• Suggested Drinking Window: 2002-2012