NV Penfolds Champagne Cuvée Brut

Decanter Overview
Thiénot and Penfolds have partnered to produce a special portfolio of three Champagnes that will be released as part of the celebration for the 175th anniversary of Penfolds.

This project arose from the friendship of Peter Gago, chief winemaker for Penfolds, and Stanislas Thiénot, CEO of Champagne Thiénot, as a way of together expressing their shared passion for wine.

94 points, Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front
Another sparkling made in partnership with Thiénot but with full-frontal ‘Penfolds’ on the label. This is a regional blend of Pinot Noir (45%), Pinot Meunier (35%), and Chardonnay (20%). Well, well, well, this is very nice.

Opulent, rich, giving, generous and showy style. As such, it fits very comfortably in Penfolds’ bill. It does, by extension, make it quite delicious, too. Tailor-made, clean-cut and buttoned-up but with fancy ruffles. Hazelnut and orange tart with candied citrus peel, aromatic papaya and a suggestion of fresh coffee bean. Filled with almond cream, spiked with ripe acidity and pearly mousse, round in mouth yet driving energetically to a pleasing finale. You will enjoy this Australian suit of flavour sewn up by the French, of that I’m sure.

17/20 Points - Jancis Robinson
Obviously much, much older than the Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, so arguably better value! Good mousse and energy. Pretty good wine actually! Tastes rather luxurious and possibly even underpriced. (JR)