Bin 128 Shiraz 2018 Penfolds

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16.25p by Jancis Robinson MW / BWW2024/Best Wine Critic of the World
90p by Ken Gargett
92p by Andrew Caillard MW / BWW2024 Finalist

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Written Notes

100% Coonawarra, with a year in French hogsheads, 26% new. The move from American oak took place back in the 1980s.

As mentioned, much more formal in structure than the cuddly Bin 28. Some chocolate with the dry herbs, warm earth, a hint of mint, raspberries and fleshy plums. A leaner style than many. Good length, fine acidity and slightly crunchy tannins. Should look better in a decade. 89.

With a further 24 hours under its belt, more richness, red fruits and mint emerged, lifting its profile. 90.

- Ken Gargett

With each vintage release the cool-climate Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz provides an interesting counterpoint to the more opulent and richly concentrated warm-climate Kalimna® Bin 28 Shiraz. Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and seductive nature of cool-climate red table wines. Coonawarra has remained the source of Shiraz fruit for Bin 128 since the inaugural release of the 1962 vintage. In order to further enhance the regional qualities of Bin 128, the wine is matured in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads, élevage that was refined during the 1980s when the transition was made from American to French oak. Acidity 6.8 g/l, pH 3.59. Aged 12 months in French oak hogsheads (26% new). Coonawarra enjoyed near long-term average winter rainfall, and slightly below average spring rainfall. Following frost on 4 November the region welcomed warmer temperatures across the remainder of the month, 3.6 °C above the long-term average thanks to a combination of high minimum and maximum temperatures. Coonawarra experienced 13 days of temperature greater than 35 °C during the months of January, February and March, with the longest spell spanning three days (17–19 January). The hottest day recorded was 42 °C on 19 January. From December to mid April conditions were very dry, delivering only 50 mm of rain, which is half the normal rainfall. Consequently, there was no disease pressure. Mild conditions prevailed over the harvest, which allowed grapes to ripen with optimal flavour and fine tannins.
Muddy dark crimson with a pale rim. Strong cassis and balsam notes on the nose. And then rather notable (added?) acidity on the palate. Good pure fruit but that acidity seems just a bit too much at present, and not exactly luscious on the finish. Pure Coonawarra character though.

- Jancis Robinson MW / BWW2024/Best Wine Critic of the World

Medium deep crimson. Redcurrant, blackberry, mocha aromas with chinotto notes. Inky textured wine with redcurrant, red cherry fruits, a touch of choco-mint and fine looseknit slightly grippy tannins. Finishes grainy firm with attractive mineral length. Very much in the Coonawarra Claret Style. Seal; screwcap Now- 2030 14.5% alc 92 points

An aromatic and gentle medium-bodied Bin 128 showing excellent regional definition, and the unmistakable Penfolds winemaking signature.

12 months in 26% new French and 74% seasoned French oak hogsheads

- Andrew Caillard MW / BWW2024 Finalist

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