Penfolds Bin Series
The 2020 vintage for South Australia was predictably hot and dry and made all the more challenging by widespread bush fires which have become all too common during the country’s growing season. On a positive note, quality is actually very high thanks to low yields, an absence of heat spikes and vineyard teams that are more prepared than ever for the challenges climate change has made the norm. The wines show concentrated fruit, long firm structure, deep colour, and vibrant flavour. The exceptional fruit this iconic estate have at their disposal has delivered a characteristically consistent set of wines showing a rare balance found only in the best vintages – a pleasure to drink.
Case of six in bond
Penfolds Bin 28 2020 (£99)
A homage to warmer-region, South Australian shiraz, this has a rich and smooth delivery of ripe blackberries and red-to-dark plums on the nose. The wine has taken its 12 months in American oak (16% new) well and truly in its stride. Plush and suave mouthfeel here, this is effortless and a style that sits right in the Penfolds sweet spot. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Clare Valley. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 93 points – James Suckling
Penfolds Bin 128 2020 (£117)
This wine continues its ascent of quality, and this 2020 vintage has appealing confidence in terms of fruit, showing concentration, depth, ripeness and presence. Aromas of red plum, mulberry and blackberry flow faithfully through to the palate. Supple, pliable tannins and an impressively elegant shape runs deep into the finish. A great Bin 128! Drink over the next decade or more. 94 points – James Suckling
Penfolds Bin 389 2019 (£207)
Very rich, ripe and intense, this has plenty of depth and is one of the strongest statements of Penfolds’ house style. Rich vanillin and sweetly spicy American oak on the nose, with chocolate, blueberry, violet, blackberry and iodine notes. The palate delivers quite approachable and supple texture, smoothly fleshy and inviting. Flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and mulberry abound. Deep and ripe finish with nutty tannins to close. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Padthaway. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 96 points – James Suckling
Penfolds Bin 407 2019 (£215)
Strong statement of cabernet is the first impression, with violets, blueberries, blackcurrants, fresh leaves and herbs. I like the clarity here. The palate has such intense and rich fruit, with plush, polished and ripe blueberry and cassis flavours. Holds an impressively measured and balanced stance. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. Drink or hold. 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck
Penfolds Bin 150 2018 (£201)
Deeply expressive and rich in dark plum and blackberry fruit, as well as iodine and tarry elements, this speaks so clearly to the warm and dry Marananga area of the Barossa Valley. Powerful dark fruit and tarry and savoury notes on the palate, with bold and muscular tannins that carry the ripe black-fruit flavours so deep. Some liquorice and sarsaparilla to close. Striking as always, this is a very composed Bin 150 with impressive poise. Best from 2026. 96 points – James Suckling
Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2018 (£96)
Very attractive, fresh white peaches and yellow citrus fruit, coupled with assertive but well-married oak influence adding grilled-hazelnut and spicy elements. The palate holds an intense core of fresh peach fruit and a gently creamy build into the long, well-composed finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 93 points – James Suckling
The ‘Luxury’ releases below from Penfolds will come in early October and we will send out a separate offer for those once arrived. As mentioned, yields are pretty low so we expect the amounts available to be reduced from last year. If you are interested in some of these, please let us know now so we can put requests in early.
St Henri 2018
Bin 707 2019
Magill Estate 2018
RWT 2019
Reserve Bin A Chardonnay
Grange 2017 Yattarna 2019
For all interest, please email Steven at: sw@woodwinters.com Cheers, The WoodWinters team