Bin 620 2008 Penfolds

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18p by Richard Hemming MW / BWW2024 Finalist
93p by Jason Lee / Sommelier
97p by Ken Gargett

Tasting note

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Written Notes

The average auction price is A$1,000, but hard to find. The colour is deep dark reds. Hint of crimson on the rim. Those expecting the richness and depth of a Grange might be surprised. This is more fragrant and elegant, right from the outset. Just beautiful aromas. Perfumed rose petals, hints of black cherries, a touch of white chocolate, blackberries, but there are hints of red fruits emerging as well. This is a superb wine with the flavours found on the nose rolling on throughout the palate, in the most utterly seamless manner. This is balanced and refined. Amazingly seamless. The sort of length that would seem more likely from a top Rutherglen muscat. Very soft, almost deceptive tannins. One could argue that this is a wine that might appeal more to 'traditional European palates' than perhaps Grange will. This is all about elegance and subtlety, in comparison to the richness and power of other top Penfold's wines. In Aussie cricket parlance, Michael Clark compared to Dave Warner. As perhaps the most approachable of all the Penfold's big guns from that year's release, it gives the impression of being ideal for drinking now. It is, but it promises so much more that it really would be a shame not to give it an opportunity to blossom, as it surely will. The original Bin 620 came from 1966 and this is a tribute to that wine. The 1966 was always a very fine Special Release, though perhaps not their most scintillating – tough gig to compete with wines like Bin 60A from 1962. Both wines were blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from Coonawarra. The 2008 is a 51/49 Cab/Shiraz split, coming from their Blocks 5, 10 and 20. Pressing was by basket press and also membrane presses, while fermentation was a mix of open fermenters at Magill and static fermenters at Nuriootpa. Maturation was in new French and American hogsheads, a 57/43 split. The 1966 Bin 620 was long considered a rival for the 1962 Bin 60A but eventually, it simply couldn't maintain the pace and fell away. Adds yet another dimension to the Penny's range and the elegance will greatly appeal to many. It may not reach the fame of wines like the various Block 42's and Bin 60A's, but it will carve its own niche.

- Ken Gargett

First vintage 1966 … second vintage 2008. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Shiraz. All from Penfolds' own vineyards.
Delicious hot-chocolate aromas, cassis, dark yet open – offers a cellar-full of complexity, yet with more to come. The characters blend so well together, you couldn't ask for a happier marriage.

- Richard Hemming MW / BWW2024 Finalist

"A proud Australian blend, Cabernet & Shiraz, reunited across these three Penfolds Coonawarra vineyards for the first time in over four decades."

"Magill open fermenters, Nuriootpa static fermenters; basket & membrane presses; barrel fermentation; new French & American oak; Time proven."
"This is not a simple wine. Nor is it a blockbuster. Classic Penfolds Coonawarra."

Deep and generous red with a dark core.

Instantly proclaims Penfolds ... and then, naturally Coonawarra! An aromatic colour chart reveals red, rather than blue or black fruits. Also red licorice, black olive.

Hovering above - wafts of tomato/quince/ cabernet paste meshed with cinnamon & nutmeg yeast-bun spices. Swirling & time in glass reveal fresh, bright beetroot and star-anise/ soy Asian artefact. Exotic, with barely-discernible oak (French?) at least offering one recognisable sensory hook.

Seamless. Sophisticated. Stylish.

Although flavours of cola, sarsaparilla & white chocolate are immediately apparent, it is the structure & textural weave that impact. At once, tight/focussed/poised. a multi-dimensional continuum, difficult to de-construct. Complete.

Fine and persistent 'shaley' tannins conspire with bright acidity (compliments of Coonawarra) to propel and complex an array of Shiraz & Cabernet fruits.

- Peter Gago / Penfolds

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