9 Cellar Reserve bottles on plinths of varying heights

Cellar Reserve Tasting Notes

The Cellar Reserve label – established by Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago as an ongoing project – it is a range of alternative, limited release wines that explore the innovative boundaries of viticulture, vinification and style. Whilst creating this range of excitingly different wines, the winemakers add to their existing winemaking knowledge, which will later find expression in wines across the Penfolds range.

Only available through select restaurants, Penfolds Cellar Doors and Global Travel Retail, the range will always be worth seeking out for anyone who appreciates boldness and diversity in their wine.

Select from the list below to download tasting notes for each wine.

Red Wines

Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

Sourced from the Adelaide Hills region, grapes are hand-picked before being sent to Magill Estate for vinification in small open wax-lined fermenters. This premium Pinot Noir was cold-soaked, hand-plunged and underwent natural fermentation prior to maturation in both new and seasoned French oak barriques. It was neither fined nor filtered. Free run only. First created in 1997, this Pinot Noir has generous varietal fruit aromatics and flavour with the structure to reward further careful cellaring.

REWARDS OF PATIENCE TASTING NOTES CELLAR RESERVE PINOT NOIR 1997-2011 (PDF 91 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE SOUTHERN TASMANIA PINOT NOIR 2018 (PDF 60 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2016 (PDF 84 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2015 (PDF 81 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2014 (PDF 124 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2013 (PDF 322 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2012 (PDF 72 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2011 (PDF 44 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2010 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2009 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2008 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2007 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2006 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2005 (PDF 47 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2004 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2003 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2002 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2001 (PDF 46 KB)

Cellar Reserve Barossa Valley Sangiovese

This Italian variety has adapted extremely well to Australian conditions. The fruit is particularly intense, with small berries, strong colours, deep flavours and slinky, dry tannin structures. Since the first commercial vintage in 1998, the wines have steadily improved in both definition and character.

REWARDS OF PATIENCE TASTING NOTES CELLAR RESERVE SANGIOVESE 1998-2010 (PDF 89 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2016 (PDF 83 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2015 (PDF 71 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2014 (PDF 84 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2012 (PDF 88 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2011 (PDF 324 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2010 (PDF 325 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2009 (PDF 211 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2008 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2007 (PDF 47 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2006 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2005 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2004 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2003 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2002 (PDF 46 KB)

Cellar Reserve Tempranillo

With fruit sourced exclusively from McLaren Vale, this Tempranillo is a unique, Australian expression of this grape variety. Displaying berry, liquorice, spice and nectar flavours, the 14 months of oak maturation in seasoned and new oak adds great complexity to the palate while pronounced tannins provide a lengthy finish. This fruit driven wine showcases a contemporary reflection of a single-vineyard, single fermentation and single variety.

REWARDS OF PATIENCE TASTING NOTES CELLAR RESERVE TEMPRANILLO 2008-2010 (PDF 72 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2017 (PDF 70 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2016 (PDF 100 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2015 (PDF 86 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2014 (PDF 86 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2013 (PDF 143 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2011 (PDF 51 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2008 (PDF 51 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE MCLAREN VALE TEMPRANILLO 2007 (PDF 51 KB)

Cellar Reserve Kalimna Block 25 Mataro

Only released in 2010, the Cellar Reserve Mataro is entirely sourced from the Penfolds historic Kalimna vineyard in the Barossa Valley. Matured in both seasoned and new American oak for a period of 16 months, this generous wine is a standout from this famous Penfolds block. Whilst drinking well at release, this wine will continue to improve with careful cellaring.

REWARDS OF PATIENCE TASTING NOTES CELLAR RESERVE BLOCK 25 KALIMNA MATARO 2010 (PDF 70 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BLOCK 25 KALIMNA MATARO 2010 (PDF 52 KB)

Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills Merlot

This Merlot is sourced from a single vineyard in the northern end of the Adelaide Hills region and is a unique expression of this grape variety. Matured for a period of 16 months in seasoned French oak barrels, this wine is drinking well at release, and will continue to drink well for many years with careful cellaring.

REWARDS OF PATIENCE TASTING NOTES CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS MERLOT 2010 (PDF 70 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS MERLOT 2010 (PDF 51 KB)

Cellar Reserve Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Sourced from select parcels of Barossa Valley fruit, including Block 42 and Block 41 cabernet sauvignon. Typically it is opulent in structure with ripe cassis, dark chocolate aromas, chocolatey tannins and underlying savoury new oak. The wines, vinified using classic Penfolds techniques, have a superb lasting quality. The wine was first made in 2005, with subsequent releases in 2006, 2008 & 2010.

REWARDS OF PATIENCE TASTING NOTES CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 (PDF 76 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 (PDF 132 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 (PDF 330 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 (PDF 54 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 (PDF 54 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 (PDF 54 KB)

Cellar Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Barossa Valley Shiraz

This Coonawarra Cabernet Barossa Valley Shiraz has only been made once in 2005. This is an archetypal Penfolds wine with stylish ripe fruit aromas with ethereal barrel ferment characters. Flavours are textured and layered - fine tannins interweave with raspberry and other red fruit notes.

CELLAR RESERVE COONAWARRA CABERNET BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ 2016 (PDF 128 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE COONAWARRA CABERNET BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ 2015 (PDF 103 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE COONAWARRA CABERNET BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ 2005 (PDF 54 KB)

Cellar Reserve Barossa Valley Grenache

The Grenache is only made in exceptional vintages for this notoriously capricious varietal. The last one was produced in 2002. Sourced from Barossa Valley bush vines in Marananga the grapes were fermented in stainless steel before spending 11 months in French oak hogsheads. Varietal characters to the fore with plenty of gorgeous red fruit and exotic spice.

REWARDS OF PATIENCE TASTING NOTES CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY GRENACHE 2002 (PDF 69 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY GRENACHE 2016 (PDF 80 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE BAROSSA VALLEY GRENACHE 2002 (PDF 71 KB)

Cellar Reserve Durif

Cellar Reserve Barossa Valley Durif is sourced from a single vineyard in the Barossa valley. The 2013 was the debut vintage. It is a unique expression of Durif, conveying characters of black fruits, spice and tamed tannins, replete with a definitive Penfolds stamp.

PENFOLDS CELLAR RESERVE CELLAR RESERVE DURIF 2017 (PDF 111 KB)

PENFOLDS CELLAR RESERVE CELLAR RESERVE DURIF 2015 (PDF 127 KB)

PENFOLDS CELLAR RESERVE CELLAR RESERVE DURIF 2013 (PDF 127 KB)

White Wines

Cellar Reserve Fiano

Cellar Reserve Fiano is sourced from a single vineyard in McLaren Vale and is a unique Australian expression of this Italian grape variety.

CELLAR RESERVE FIANO 2016 (PDF 71 KB)

Cellar Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

First vintaged in 2014, Penfolds Cellar Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a single-vineyard near Woodside in the cool-climate region of the Adelaide Hills.

CELLAR RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 (PDF 88 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 (PDF 92 KB)

Cellar Reserve Semillon

Sourced from two vineyards in the cool climate Adelaide Hills, the 2012 vintage was the inaugural release of this varietal under the Cellar Reserve range. This wine is clean, crisp and refreshing, ideally served not too cold but just chilled to release the delicate aromas and wonderful elegance of this iconic Australian variety.

CELLAR RESERVE ADELAIDE HILLS SEMILLON 2012 (PDF 1,870 KB)

Cellar Reserve Pinot Gris

The grapes for this Pinot Gris are mostly sourced from the Adelaide Hills, with some small parcels from Eden Valley. The wine is fermented in 75% stainless steel and 25% seasoned French oak barriques. The palate shows a balanced mouth-watering, chalk-like acidity.

CELLAR RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2014 (PDF 210 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2012 (PDF 1,559 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2010 (PDF 48 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2007 (PDF 48 KB)

Cellar Reserve Traminer

Sourced from Penfolds high altitude Woodbury vineyard in the Eden Valley. Planted in the early 1970's, the vines are hand pruned to achieve low cropping canopies that yield grapes with intense fruit flavour. Partial fermentation in seasoned French oak barriques adds complexity to the highly perfumed nose. Mouth-watering crisp, mineral acid with a lovely textural element to finish. A wine with wonderful balance between sweetness and acidity.

CELLAR RESERVE TRAMINER 2018 (PDF 85 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE TRAMINER 2014 (PDF 151 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE TRAMINER 2012 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE TRAMINER 2008 (PDF 46 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE TRAMINER 2007 (PDF 69 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE TRAMINER 2005 (PDF 69 KB)

Cellar Reserve Viognier

Sourced from the Barossa Valley, this Cellar Reserve Viognier has aromatics of frangipani and fresh apricot with an accompanying rich, mouth-filling lusciousness. Stopping the fermentation process, the Viognier is left with residual sugar to produce a sweet, dessert wine style.

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2019 (PDF 118 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2017 (PDF 96 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2016 (PDF 62 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2014 (PDF 210 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2013 (PDF 76 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2012 (PDF 47 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2010 (PDF 70 KB)

CELLAR RESERVE VIOGNIER 2009 (PDF 90 KB)

Cellar Reserve Chardonnay

This Cellar Reserve Chardonnay is sourced from the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Meticulous vineyard selection ensures the highest quality of fruit is selected. Careful monitoring of barrel maturation and lees stirring produces a wine of great flavour intensity, structure and textural mouth-feel.