Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2020

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 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. In order to further enhance its regional qualities, Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2019 is matured in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads, élevage that was refined during the 1980’s when the transition was made from American to French oak.

94 Points - James Suckling

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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.