Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz draws its inspiration from the wines of Southern Rhône, where shiraz, grenache and mataro (mourvèdre) are blended in varying proportions to create full-bodied wines possessing rich and heady perfume. Each year fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from old Barossa Valley vines (some more than 100 years old) and then matured for 12 to 15 months in seasoned oak hogsheads to allow the different varietals to shine through. The first vintage release of this varietal blend was the 1992, labelled ‘Old Vine Barossa Valley’ – it was then elevated to Bin status with the 1998 vintage. Penfolds Bin 138 2018 is one to enjoy for any occassion.

Juicy, dense and more-ish - a sophisticated varietal and regional matrix unfolds, stamped with Barossa integrity. But, what from what? Best guess: ironstone – from shiraz and a continuum of fresh red and dark berried fruits from its grenache and mataro stablemates. 

Super-fine tannins permeate across the palate, no doubt contributed by all three varieties. Background oak ever so distant.

Pairs with ossobuco, lamb ragout with chickpeas and dried figs or vegetable couscous with beef rissoles

92 Points Wine Spectator

Deep crimson. Intense blackberry, musky plum, and inky aromas with roasted walnut notes. A generous velvety wine with deep-set juicy blackberry, dark chocolate, musky plum fruits, refined, plentiful chocolaty firm textures, savoury oak complexity and integrated fine acidity. Finishes chocolaty leafy firm with musky plum aniseed notes.