Penfolds : Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2020

This fruit for the 2020 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz is from Coonawarra as usual, matured for 12 months in French hogsheads (20% new). The nose is aromatically layered with blood plum, raspberry, red licorice and blueberries and loaded with exotic spice and pink peppercorns. This is a gorgeous wine—totally supple and blue fruited, but all in balance with savory tannin. Elegance 101. For now, it is still frisky and energetic—give it a year to let it settle down.

Dense, toothsome and complex, this has several layers, with juicy cherry and berry flavors, accents of dried herbs, black tea and olive, plus a hint of richer preserves that lingers in the background. Finishes with heavy spices, a touch of firm clay and thick, velvety tannins. Drink now through 2030. 25 cases imported.

In some years, this regional expression seems muted and awkward, but the 2020 vintage shines thanks to its longer, cooler ripening period. It’s the rounded, savoury entry that grabs your attention, with a chewy texture adding presence and purpose, providing much more than simple fruit satisfaction. The lean, sinewy muscle of the mid-palate keeps you intrigued before it finishes with a lively white pepper prickle. Released at A$60/bottle.

This wine continues its ascent in quality, and this 2020 vintage shows appealing confidence in its fruit, with concentration, depth, ripeness, and presence. Aromas of red plum, mulberry, and blackberry flow faithfully through to the palate. Supple, pliable tannins and an impressively elegant shape run deep into the finish. A great Bin 128! Drink over the next decade or more.

Saturated violet. Earthy, spice-accented cherry and dark berry scents are complemented by hints of olive, licorice and vanilla. Gently chewy and energetic on the palate, offering focused bitter cherry, cassis and violet pastille flavors that slowly turn sweeter with aeration. Youthfully gripping tannins frame the long, smoky finish, which leaves cherry pit and spice notes behind.

Intense ruby with purple reflections and a slightly watery rim. An intense and inviting bouquet displaying the typical aromas of fresh mint and dark nougat, reminiscent of After Eight chocolates, with underlying tar and cranberry notes. Juicy and elegant on the palate with freshness and structure, very well integrated tannins and a long mineral-salty finish. An excellent food wine with long ageing potential. Drink now - 2035