Made in France, from Bordeaux material at the Cambon de la Pelouse (in Haut Medoc) facility, the 2019 French Winemaking Trial (FWT) is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 13% Petit Verdot. This is vibrant and spicy, with layers of silty tannins and bright fruit. There are notes of dark forest berries, tobacco leaf, juniper, cassis, licorice and star anise. The French Winemaking Trial is exotic and fine—not a big wine actually at all—with lovely balance. It is supple and detailed. I love the tannins—a web of them in the mouth. The wine is chewy and savory, very good indeed. This is modern and captures the essence of Bordeaux but does it in a Penfolds way. I guess that's the point. Nailed it.
- Erin Larkin (2022)
