Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz.
Unmistakably, Grange, this 2012 vintage is complex, flamboyant and lifted. An aromatic multi-cultural characteristics. The earthiness is well integrated with the aromas of dark fruits, grounded coffee, red liquorice and black olives, which leads to a firmly structured finish.
Grenache has long been a stalwart of the South Australian wine scene and Penfolds have been blending Grenache with Shiraz since the 1950's. Recent years has seen a growing trend for the luscious perfumed styles like those emanating out of the northern Rhône and the Bin 138 produces a brilliant example. Going from strength to strength, this particular wine is quickly gathering momentum as one of the stand-out releases in the Bin series.
Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, Barossa Valley 2024 Bottle 6L
Bin 8 has been crafted in the traditional Penfolds style. Ripe, balanced fruit flavours are supported by softly integrated oak resulting in an impressive, smooth red wine. Textured, plush tannins create a neat and tidy framework to house rich blackberry fruit spiced by derived vanilla pod. Barrel maturation has added a creamy texture and mouthfeel.
One of the benchmark wines to come out of the Coonawarra, the Penfolds Bin 128 is a delightful cool-climate shiraz. Matured in French Oak, with flavours of white pepper and floral spice, the 2014 Bin 128 is a rich and full-bodied Shiraz.
Penfolds Bin 389 is the classic South Australian red! Often referred to as 'Baby Grange' or 'Poor Man's Grange', Bin 389 was the wine that helped to build Penfolds' solid reputation with wine drinkers around the world. A magnificent blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from the very best regions and vineyards available to Peter Gago and his team, the robust nature of the Cabernet grape give structure and body to the wine while the opulent Shiraz fruit provides suppleness and intensity. A true icon of Australian wine first created by the legend himself, Max Schubert, Peter Gago is quoted as saying 'Through thick and thin, across all vintages, Bin 389 always delivers - benefitting from over half a century of practice!
COLOUR Bright crimson NOSE Grenache in all its glory. Red fruits proudly lead the charge: raspberries, cranberries and pomegranate. Fragrant coulis on a summer berry pudding sprinkled with frozen strawberry dust. Ferric notes of steel wool and cordite allude to the iron-rich clay soil upon which the vines prosper in the Barossa Valley. Charcuterie aromas of Jamón ibérico conjure thoughts of Spanish tapas bars. Mojama dry cured tuna notes add an interesting slightly saline nuance. Rubbed olive leaves, sumac spice and ginger peel aromas round out a very enticing nose. Oak has been completely subdued by the generosity of the fruit. PALATE An approachable, medium bodied palate. Red fruits are to the fore, strawberries especially, with assorted wild fruit des bois. Refreshing acidity, manifesting as pomegranate juice and fresh cranberry, provides succulence and balance. Silken grenache tannins with a parchment, rice paper-like texture holds together the abundantly generous fruit. The composite elements are united in solidarity. A delightful debut Bin 21 Grenache. PEAK DRINKING Now - 2035
Seamless and layered, combining sweet red and black fruits, cranberries, mulberries and blackcurrants. Mortadella, shaved fennel and dried fig entice. Savoury details of pâté, green olive tapenade, salsa verde and espresso liqueur carry exceptional length. Succulent and velvety in texture, the wine is underpinned by even, mouth-coating tannins. A beautifully crafted wine that promises to reward patient cellaring. Immediately heady yet refined, offering layered aromatics of exotic spice and elegance. Black berry fruit sits alongside pastel confectionary notes, perfumed violets and lavender, with deeper accents of dark Belgian and Varona chocolate, roasted coffee bean, Brazil nut and pecan pie. Savoury nuances of bresaola, olives and lavosh add intrigue and depth. On further inspection, notes of walnut and mahogany polish arise.
Since the 1970s this quaffable Shiraz Cabernet blend has done its fair share of barbeque and dinner party circuits. Guaranteed with a consistency of quality that can only come from a big name like Penfolds who ensure it's packed with generous fruit flavours and freshness. Its hard to go past when it comes to an easy drinking red, that's easy on the wallet.
Colour: Blushing ruby red. Medium purple core. Aroma: Intense all spice. Perfumed notes of fresh red currants and strawberries. Light charcuterie notes: pastrami and bresaola. Intensely aromatic. Palate: Red fruits follow onto the palate. Vanilla crème gateaux. Fine graphite powdery tannins. Pannacotta silkiness on the palate. Red fruited succulence, plush juicy fruit and refreshing acidity giving length to palate. A finish reminiscent of creamy strawberry yogurt.