Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2021 750ml

With each vintage release the cool-climate Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz provides an interesting counterpoint to the more opulent and richly concentrated warm climate Bin 28 Shiraz. Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa red clay over limestone 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. 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. The palate is medium-weight, relative to the likes of the warm climate Bin 28 Shiraz. The blue fruits noted on the nose are quite apparent on the flavour profile. However, the wine is orientated towards the savoury end of the spectrum. Cured meats, pepper, olives and paprika flavours vying for attention. On further inspection, almond kernels and cardamom add to the allure. The tannins are silken, finely woven around the fruit. The acid line is as neat as a pin. Everything is in the right place, a lovely wine now with decades of potential for those who can wait.