Introduction
I've always been drawn to Penfolds for the way it straddles tradition and artistry. When I saw a bottle of the FWT 585 – a wine crafted in Bordeaux but influenced by Penfolds’ Australian roots – I was curious. The name stands for “French Wine Trial," and it gave me the sense that this was something a little experimental, maybe even bold. I wanted to see how a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot would translate under Penfolds' guidance — especially in French terroir.
Nose
Right out of the glass, the nose was restrained — not subtle, but deliberate. Red plum and cassis come through first, framed by an earthy, slightly graphite character. There’s also a trace of dried herbs and brambly undergrowth. Some gentle oak integrates smoothly in the background, offering soft vanilla without dominating the aromatic profile. It doesn’t shout, but it speaks with clarity.
Palate
The palate carries more weight than the nose initially suggests. It's medium-bodied with a strong structure – firm, polished tannins give the wine a frame, but the fruit isn’t lost. Black cherry and blueberry are layered with black olive, pencil shavings, and a faint smokiness. The acidity is bright and well-placed, keeping everything defined without overwhelming the fruit. The Merlot rounds out the mid-palate nicely, while the Petit Verdot brings a bit of grip and depth.
Finish
The finish is clean, dry, and somewhat savory. Notes of cocoa powder, cedar, and dried berry linger for a moderate length. It doesn’t stretch on endlessly, but what’s there is focused and well-edged. There’s a slightly herbal note in the tail end that ties in nicely with the aromatic profile.
Price and Value
For a bottle positioned as part of Penfolds' newer French experiments, the FWT 585 sits in a reasonable mid-range category. It certainly doesn’t compete with the flagship Grange or Bin 707 in terms of prestige or price, but it offers a more accessible way to see what Penfolds is up to outside of Australia. In terms of character and structure, it delivers notably more than your average Bordeaux blend in the same price bracket.
Background
This wine is part of Penfolds’ initiative to collaborate with winemakers and vineyards in France. Created under the umbrella of the French Wine Trial series, the FWT 585 is made at their Bordeaux-based project in partnership with Dourthe. The goal is to merge Bordeaux’s centuries-long winemaking traditions with Penfolds' expressive, polished house style. You can learn more about their global wine projects at the Penfolds site.
The grapes—mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot—are sourced from Bordeaux vineyards and vinified separately before blending. French oak is used, but with a gentle hand, allowing the regional identity of the fruit to remain central.
Final Notes
Would I buy another bottle of the FWT 585? Yes—but it would be for a quiet evening where I want something a bit thoughtful, rather than a showstopper. It has enough complexity to keep me engaged, but it doesn’t demand attention.
If you’re wondering whether this wine is approachable for someone newer to red blends or Bordeaux style, I’d cautiously say yes. It's structured, but not overly dense or intimidating. Its balance is one of its biggest strengths.
As for which occasions suit this wine, I’d say it’s ideal for a dinner that leans toward roast meats, mushroom dishes, or herbed Mediterranean fare. It’s not built for the summer heat or casual sipping, but it slips effortlessly into a reflective meal.
In comparison to other Bordeaux blends, it feels more polished and less rustic. Compared to Penfolds’ Australian offerings, especially Bin 389, it’s a bit leaner and more mineral-driven — not better or worse, just different in style and purpose. If you’re looking for a wine that binds two wine cultures with skill, this is worth a look.