Bin 128 Penfold’s Coonawarra Shiraz

Penfolds Bin 128 is one of the most distinctive reds in the Penfolds stable. Firstly, as a ‘Coonawarra Shiraz’, it is one of the few Penfolds reds that isn’t a multi regional blend. It is also matured solely in French oak. French oak generally lends a wine understated, aromatic characters and is therefore a better choice with more subtly flavoured wines. Coonawarra typically produces zesty, spicy and supple Shiraz fruit that exhibits a richness of flavour and a mouth filling roundness on the palate. Bin 128 is true to this style. The 2008 release of Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz is ripe and delicious – you’d call it solid, at least in Coonawarra shiraz terms – though the asking price needs at least $10 shaved from it. Thankfully, retailers will likely take care of that. It’s big and spicy, plummy and warm. It’s definitely a bigger version of Bin 128 than usual. It was a warm year in a cool climate – almost always a good combination. Boysenberries and cherries and plums. Fresh oak-spice. It drinks very nicely now, with good texture and length, though it needs another nine to 18 months in bottle to integrate properly. I’d argue that this has been released too young, but I wouldn’t argue against its quality. Drink : 2013 – 2020 91+ Points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front