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Tasting notes
Vivid ruby. Floral-accented aromas of dark berries and cherry cola, plus a spicy topnote and a hint of smokiness. Juicy, expressive and open-knit blackberry, candied plum and kirsch flavors, along with a discreet touch of cracked pepper. Velvety and approachable, given some air, delivering a smooth blend of power and vivacity and finishing with fine clarity and gentle tannic grip. All large French oak barrels, 12.5% of them new.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
65% Shiraz, 29% Grenache, 6% Mataro. Aged for 12 months in French oak (12.5% new). The Grenache really sings here, giving the Shiraz a run for its money, and there is very attractive large-grained tannin too. Delicious grip and purity, with superb length too. This delivers very impressive satisfaction at such a young age, and represents a smart buy in the Penfolds range. (RH)
A blend of 65% Syrah, 29% Grenache and 6% Mataro, the 2020 Bin 138 Shiraz-Grenache-Mataro is aromatically spicy and exciting, with peppered raspberry, star anise, strawberry and humbug through the finish. It's a really lovely, supple, delicious wine. There is polish and shape here. Early-ish drinking recommended to capture the vivacity and life of the fruit.
There is a real Côtes du Rhône feel to the 2020 vintage of Bin 138, a blend of Barossa Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro, thanks to its general approachability and deliciously early drinking style. It is an open knit and youthful expression showing layers of blackberry, clove, dried sage and licorice fruits lifted by a sweet, jammy edge. Dark berry flavours are mouth filling in a soft and supple package with plush tannins supporting a finish of reasonable length. Lots to like here; enjoy over the next three to four years.
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.