Penfolds Bin 138 GSM 2021

Bin 138 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 Barossa Valley vines and then matured in seasoned and a small proportion of new 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.

GRAPE VARIETY Grenache (50%), Shiraz (44%), Mataro (6%)

MATURATION 12 months French (10% new) and American (2% new) oak barrels

COLOUR Purple, crimson rim

NOSE Grenache fruits to the fore. A swirl and a sniff are enough to provide a metaphorical trip to the Arabian spice souk. Whole pimento, fenugreek, pink peppercorns, anise and musk. There is a lovely lift, with notes of cola, balsamic glazed ham, poached quince, sloe berry and Campari. German schwarzwälder (gâteau) cake. On further inspection, there is a mouth-watering savoury tea-smoked duck aromatic.

PALATE All three varietals play a complementary role. There is a lovely juby fruit like flavour profile, not over-ripe in the least. Exotic black and red fruits abound: lingonberries, logan berries, olallieberries, red currants. Green tomato salsa and lemon myrtle olives add a savoury dimension. The acidity is taught and bright, while the tannins are very fine. The wine has a lovely structure and is already drinking beautifully. Offers plenty of versatility for food pairing.

PEAK DRINKING Now – 2035

LAST TASTED April 2023