2023 Mystery Coonawarra Field Blend - Red Deal No. 5872

93 POINTS

Shanteh Wale - Halliday Wine Companion

Shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and merlot all ripened at the same time in '23. Fermented as whole berries and matured in stainless steel. A summer-berry pudding with redcurrant jelly, flecks of poppyseed and blackberry thorn. It's bright and juicy with a pull of acidity and angular frame. A pure expression of an excellent Coonawarra field blend. Bravo.

93 POINTS

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

This is immediately appealing on the nose with sweet plum, blueberry, green olive, floral and mixed spice aromas, followed by a brightly expressed palate offering succulent fruit flavours with layers of fine-grained tannins. Charming and delectably appealing. A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet & Merlot.

93 POINTS

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

It's splendidly ripe and fragrant on the nose with dark berry, thyme, rich floral and nutmeg aromas, followed by a succulent palate that's supple and generously textured. Beautifully framed by plenty of fine tannins, finishing sturdy and satisfying.

93 POINTS

Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

Direct from the Penley website: “We always said the 2021 Field Blend would be a one off, defined by the vintage conditions that made it possible to harvest Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet all on the same day. Then 2023 came around and once again we were reminded to “never say never”. Round two, it’s not a common thing we repeat project wines, but here we are.” 12.5% alcohol and it feels and tastes ripe, fluid and refreshing. There are herb notes here but I wouldn’t even say that it tastes overly herbal. It’s juicy with boysenberry, red cherry, raspberry and mint, with crushed lavender and general potpourri-like aspects wafting throughout. It’s delicious. It’s well formed, balanced and textured. It’s beautifully crafted.