Coonawarra Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon

Penley Estate's Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon originates from Coonawarra's distinctive terra rossa soil—a thin layer of iron-rich red earth over limestone bedrock at 60–80 metres elevation. This subregion's cool maritime influence and diurnal temperature swing define the wine's structural profile.

The fruit undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by 12 months in French oak (proportion of new oak not publicly specified). The winemaking approach prioritises varietal expression over extraction: no extended maceration is employed, allowing the Cabernet's natural acidity and tannin structure to remain prominent rather than amplified.

Tolmer sits as Penley's mid-tier Cabernet expression—positioned between entry-level and the flagship Coonawarra releases. The wine's restraint reflects Coonawarra's cool-climate signature: ripe fruit without overripeness, tannins that grip rather than dominate.

Drink 2024–2032. Best served at 16–18°C to preserve acidity and allow secondary aromatics to emerge.