History
Penley is a renowned winery situated in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region in South Australia. The estate’s rich history dates back to the 19th century when the pioneering Penfold and Tolley families, both iconic names in the Australian wine industry, merged their legacies through marriage. This union eventually led to the establishment of Penley Estate in 1988 by Kym Tolley, a direct descendant of the Penfold family.
Kym Tolley’s vision was to create a winery that combined traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovation. His extensive experience, including working at Penfolds and being trained by the legendary Max Schubert, the creator of Penfolds Grange, provided the foundation for Penley Estate’s philosophy and practices. Over the years, the estate has grown and evolved, earning a reputation for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Coonawarra region.
Vineyards
The vineyards of Penley are located on the famed Terra Rossa strip of Coonawarra, known for its rich, red-brown topsoil overlaying a limestone base. This distinctive soil composition, combined with the region’s cool climate, provides ideal conditions for growing premium grape varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
The estate spans approximately 80 hectares, with meticulous vineyard management practices ensuring the production of high-quality fruit. Sustainable viticulture is a key focus, with efforts to minimize chemical use and enhance soil health through organic practices. The vineyards are carefully monitored and managed to optimize vine health and fruit quality, with a focus on low yields to enhance the concentration and complexity of the wines.
Winemaker: Kate Goodman
2024 Winemaker of the Year
Kate Goodman, Penley – Coonawarra, South Australia
Joining the team in 2016, Kate has an impressive background in winemaking, having worked in renowned wine regions both in Australia and internationally.
Kate’s winemaking philosophy aligns with the estate’s commitment to quality and innovation. She emphasizes minimal intervention in the winery, allowing the fruit to express its natural characteristics and the terroir to shine through in the wines. Her approach combines traditional techniques with modern practices, resulting in wines that are balanced, expressive, and true to their origins.
Kate says winning Winemaker of the Year is a huge honour and possibly a bit embarrassing. “We all love to be told that we're doing a great job, and this is exactly that. But it’s also being acutely aware of what we're doing. And I think the more you learn when you're making wine, the more you trust those gut instincts. It just starts to come naturally to you.”
Winemaker of the Year is all about ‘best winemaking practice’ but it’s also about significance, and importance, of the stamp the person has or is making on the Australian wine landscape. Kate Goodman is one of those people who is passionate about the job at hand, or she’s not doing it. She puts her heart and soul into every wine she makes. She’s done this at Wirra Wirra, Tim Knappstein, Seppelt and Punt Road in the past, as well as with her personal winemaking projects. But it’s at Penley that she’s taken wine by the scruff of the neck and given it an almighty shake. – Campbell Mattinson
Wines
Penley produces a diverse range of wines, with a strong focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, reflecting the strengths of the Coonawarra region. Each wine is crafted to showcase the unique terroir and the estate’s commitment to quality.
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Cabernet Sauvignon: The flagship varietal of Penley Estate, the Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their elegance, structure, and depth of flavor. The estate’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, is a standout, offering rich blackcurrant and cassis flavors, complemented by fine tannins and a long, complex finish.
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Shiraz: Penley’s Shiraz wines are equally impressive, displaying the bold, spicy characteristics typical of Coonawarra Shiraz. These wines are well-balanced with a perfect blend of fruit intensity and subtle oak influence.
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Red Blends: The estate also produces exceptional red blends, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot to create complex and harmonious wines that are versatile and approachable.
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White Wines: While Penley Estate is primarily known for its reds, it also produces a selection of white wines, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are crafted to be fresh and vibrant, showcasing the purity of fruit and the crisp acidity that the cool climate of Coonawarra can provide.
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Limited Releases: Penley Estate periodically releases limited-edition wines that highlight specific vineyard blocks or unique varietals. These special releases offer a glimpse into the experimental and innovative side of the estate’s winemaking.
Awards and Recognition
Penley Estate’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades over the years. The estate’s wines consistently receive high scores from respected wine critics and publications, cementing its reputation as a producer of premium Australian wines.
Key awards and recognitions include:
- Halliday Wine Companion: Penley Estate regularly receives high ratings in the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, with several wines achieving scores of 95 points and above.
- International Wine Competitions: The estate’s wines have won gold medals and trophies at various international wine competitions, including the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge.
- Domestic Awards: Penley Estate has also been honored with numerous awards at major Australian wine shows, including the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards and the Sydney International Wine Competition.
Penley Estate stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Penfold and Tolley families, combining tradition with innovation to produce wines of exceptional quality. With a rich history, meticulously managed vineyards, and a talented winemaker at the helm, Penley Estate continues to push the boundaries of winemaking in the Coonawarra region.
Their diverse portfolio of wines, ranging from elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and bold Shiraz to fresh and vibrant whites, offers something for every wine enthusiast. The numerous awards and accolades that Penley Estate has garnered over the years are a reflection of their unwavering commitment to excellence and their passion for crafting wines that truly express the unique terroir of Coonawarra.
