Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2022

Bin 128 Shiraz resonates well in a traditional claret style. There is no other region in the world where shiraz shows similar characteristics to cabernet sauvignon.

In a vintage noted for cool weather and challenging conditions across many South Australian wine regions which produced some linear red wine expressions, a wine like Bin 128 stands out and shows us once again why shiraz deserves its place in a cabernet heartland like Coonawarra. It combines a sense of place, of the Australian bush, acacia, briar, red earth with an engaging black fruit and spice intensity. In between these two regional and varietal signposts is pure Penfolds, namely some expensive French oak (12 months in French hogsheads, 30% new) put to good use. It brings plush, firm tannins and gentle vanilla pod, woodsy spice and a sense of occasion to a wine full of elegance. And yet so tight and still a little closed when tasted. Imagine the beauty to be explored as it ages.

Cedarwood set into redcurrant and red cherry, peppercorn characters well integrated, tannin sweet and well set. There’s a slight trace of clovey bitterness to the aftertaste, which distracts but doesn’t detract, but as a whole this wine hangs together well.