I’m pretty sure I’m normal.  I’m saying that because, when the word Phoenix turns up in a sentence, I think of the big city in Arizona, USA.

But then, the word ‘Phoenixing’ is a headline word in an article in the Australian newspaper.  Not in a good way.  I don’t think we need to go there.

I bet you didn’t know it is the name of a French rock band! It is, trust me.

On this occasion, it is a reference to the mythological bird that is “cyclically regenerated and reborn”.  I remember buying this wine a few years ago with their stock standard label.  It was absolutely nothing like this one.  It needed regenerating and that’s what the Penley people have done.  Smart work.

Okay, so, give this wine a chance.  It’s almost like it’s living up to it’s name when you pour it.  Give it an opportunity to ‘regenerate’ because it’s like it went into hibernation after it was bottled and just needed the chance to wake up.  When it did, like most people woken from a decent slumber, did not look its best.  Time in the glass, a few good swirls and it was a bit dizzy but was reasonably steady on it’s feet.  A bit more time and it showed some strength, good strength…and solid frame of black fruits and smooth tannin. Eventually it was “hello, welcome to the Penley Estate great value for money Coonawarra Cabernet show”.  Make sure you get your tickets here penley.com.au

Region: Coonawarra     Price: $20     Source: Sample