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 red clay over limestone 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. To further enhance the regional qualities of Bin 128, the wine is matured in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads, élevage that was refined during the 1980s when the transition was made from American to French oak. The palate is medium-weight, relative to the likes of the warm climate Bin 28 Shiraz. The blue fruits noted on the nose are quite apparent on the flavour profile. However, the wine is orientated towards the savoury end of the spectrum. Cured meats, pepper, olives and paprika flavours vying for attention. On further inspection, almond kernels and cardamom add to the allure. The tannins are silken, finely woven around the fruit. The acid line is as neat as a pin. Everything is in the right place, a lovely wine now with decades of potential for those who can wait.

Bin 138 draws its inspiration from the bold, perfumed blends of Southern Rhône, crafted from Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (Mourvèdre) in varying proportions to deliver a richly expressive red. The 2023 vintage continues this tradition - harmonious and expressive, celebrating varietal character and regional provenance, true to Penfolds House Style. Tangy rhubarb and the nutty undertone of almond meal introduce diverse flavours. Sweet frangipane tart is present, adding a floral note. The tannins are delicately feathered, imparting a gentle structure without overpowering the fruit. A clean line of acidity brings freshness and vivacity, balancing the palate. The fruit profile features tart pomegranate, mulberry, and sweet, sharp red currant. These notes are paired with the savoury zest of green pepper sauce, pimento spice, and the distinctive regional character of Barossa black pudding. Fleshy, ferrous flavours add an earthy, mineral quality, similar to rare roast beef, while the tannins remain focused and slatey, anchoring the wine with a firm but approachable grip.

An abundance of flavoursome fruit. Shiraz is our hero, selected for its fine savoury tannins, dark fruit and generosity across the mid-palate. Grenache tannins, exotic red fruits and lively acid provide ample tension. Mataro plays the anchor role, binding the palate into a harmonious balance with dusty, textural, mouth filling tannins. The tannins combined feel massaged and ground, quietly confident. The acidity is fresh and enticing. The palate is plush, complete. A generous, balanced all-rounder. Certainly not over extracted or pumped up. All together an enticing, complex, evolving wine, with a creamy texture, lively freshness and a willingness to delight from the first sip. Drink 2022 to 2033.

The palate texture is suggestive of cocoa powder while being framed by just enough savoury oak to add structure without dominating. Leading with black fruit characters, it progresses with dark plum and hints of gamey richness (roasted venison). Baking spice notes and a delicate icing sugar dusting add nuance without tipping into overt sweetness. Lively acidity carries through from start to finish, perfectly accompanied by fine structural tannins that contribute to an enduring balance. Despite its depth and layers, it carries itself with typical Bin 28 ease; its complexity is apparent yet approachable.

Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm climate Australian Shiraz - ripe, robust, and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented. The 2023 vintage eloquently expresses Penfolds House Style, balancing fruit intensity with a structure poised for ageing. This makes it both an immediate pleasure and a candidate for cellaring, promising to evolve with complexity over time. Blue fruits instantly emerge, specifically elderberries, blueberries, and bilberries. Poached plums merge with the exotic spiciness of cassia bark, imparting rich flavours. A hint of meat adds depth and character to the profile. The mouthfeel is sculpted by chocolate powder tannins, which are luxurious and precise, lending a structure that is both assertive and velvety. Also present is the umami complexity of tomato consommé, enriched with piquant olive tapenade. The palate is further textured by a ferrous minerality.

Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm climate Australian Shiraz - ripe, robust, and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented. The 2023 vintage eloquently expresses Penfolds House Style, balancing fruit intensity with a structure poised for ageing. This makes it both an immediate pleasure and a candidate for cellaring, promising to evolve with complexity over time. Blue fruits instantly emerge, specifically elderberries, blueberries, and bilberries. Poached plums merge with the exotic spiciness of cassia bark, imparting rich flavours. A hint of meat adds depth and character to the profile. The mouthfeel is sculpted by chocolate powder tannins, which are luxurious and precise, lending a structure that is both assertive and velvety. Also present is the umami complexity of tomato consommé, enriched with piquant olive tapenade. The palate is further textured by a ferrous minerality.

The palate is immediately enveloped by cocoa powder-like tannins - smooth yet profound in their impact. The wine boasts volumes of Cabernet character, showcasing cool fruits that are well lifted and vibrant. A barrel ferment nuance adds depth without overshadowing the fruit's purity. Sourdough notes bring a rustic edge which complement the lush profiles of plum fruits, blackberry, mulberry, wild cherries and more distinctly tart morello cherries.

Bin 389 is often referred to as 'Baby Grange', in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for. The 2023 release leaves a lasting impression of power and elegance - layered and balanced, with rich dark fruits, supple tannins, and a long, savoury finish. A thoughtful blend of varietals. The inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon provides impeccable structure and depth. Supporting this foundation, Shiraz adds weight and warmth. Red fruits flood the palate, with vibrant flavours of red currant and tart cranberry. The sweetness of vanilla runs throughout the wine, while mouth-coating tannins create a rich, full-bodied texture. Savoury flavours of black olive emerge, accompanied by a blend of orange zest, fennel, and olive. Impeccable, fine tannins conclude the experience, leaving a lasting impression of both power and elegance.

The core is undeniably sweet/rich yet sophisticated. The wine opens expansively - firm in structure yet big and glossy on approach. Tannins are remarkably balanced; they assert their presence without detracting from the lush blackcurrant fruit at its heart. Freshness is maintained through lively acidity, contributing greatly to the wine's depth and length. Well-integrated oak underpins these flavours without overwhelming them - focused and enhancing rather than competing with the fruit profile. A hint of Sarsaparilla adds an unexpected twist that lingers into the finish.

Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still possesses structure and rich depth of flavour. Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon, the expressive Bin 407 demonstrates the reward of Penfolds multi-regional blending philosophy. The 2023 vintage is built for longevity, with the greatest reward reserved for those with the patience to cellar. Elegantly composed and finely structured, it reveals expressive dark Cabernet fruits, with savoury oak and understated earthy complexity. A burst of red fruit delivers a vibrant and lively mouthfeel. Steely tannins provide a structured backbone, complementing the darker tones of ripe forest fruit and a savoury hint of olives. A minerality, reminiscent of blue slate and ironstone, enhances the wine's complexity. The acidity ensures a balance that keeps the palate focused and cohesive, and its interplay with the tannins is expertly managed, allowing the wine to remain poised while delivering an abundance of flavoursome fruit. Subtle notes of tobacco lend a rich, earthy quality, contributing to a tightly-coiled palate. A young Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon certainly requires a decant to open up. It is not one to be hurried along. The biggest reward will come to those willing to subject their bottles to a long spell in the cellar.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal is widely planted across South Australia's premium wine regions, particularly in the Limestone Coast where grapes with tremendous structure and beautiful aromatics are found. Well-regarded since its launch in 2002, the Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the merits of multi-regional blending to Penfolds 'House Style'. A bold, full bodied wine displaying lovely aromatics, excellent structure, and great length.

Since its inception, Penfolds Koonunga Hill has always aimed to deliver quality, value and consistency. The original 1976 Koonunga Hill Claret is a legendary wine that is still drinking well today. Koonunga Hill Shiraz joined the range in 2002, a contemporary reflection of Penfolds multi-regional sourcing philosophy. Shiraz from the warmer districts of South Australia is carefully blended, with the Barossa Valley always well represented. Ripe plum, blueberry & sweet spice - undeniably South Australian Shiraz. The palate shows flint, liquorice, smoked meat & paprika. Integrated tannins remind us of the wine's place in the Penfolds family.