Penfolds : Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2020

The balance and richness of an Australian Shiraz by Penfolds

The estate

Voted New World Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, Penfolds had already established itself as an icon of Australia's great wines thanks to the unparalleled determination of Mary Penfold in the 19th century. Certainly the co-founder of Penfolds Winery devoted herself body and soul to making exceptional wines. Her life's work is reflected in the winery's success in establishing itself as a benchmark in Southern Australia. When Max Schubert joined the Penfolds venture in the 1950s, he brought to the estate's wines the elegance of the great Bordeaux wines that so fascinated him. Success was not long in coming when the cellar master signed his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to win the hearts of wine lovers around the world.

The vineyard

Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2020 is an Australian wine from the cool region of Coonawarra. This area is located in the south-east of South Australia and has a unique terroir: 'terra rossa'. It is 12 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide and its red colour comes from the rust in the limestone soil, which ideal for vineyards because it is so well drained. The cool climate is due to the Southern Ocean which brings breezes to temper the summer heat.

The wine

Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2020 is made with grapes from a unique terroir: the 'Terra Rossa' in Coonawarra. This region is ideal for the production of shiraz, the wines are elegant and fine, typical of cool areas. The first vintage of this wine dates from 1962.

The vintage

The spring was cold with an episode of frost which slowed down the fruiting of the buds. Flowering took place udring a cool period which reduced the number of grapes on the bunch. Irrigation was needed over the very hot summer. Fortunately, January was cooler until the harvest. Yields were very low but the quality was very high.

Winemaking and ageing

After harvest and fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in 300-litre French oak hogsheads, 20% of which were new or aged in line with Australian methods.

Blend

Syrah (100%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Penfolds : Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2020

Tasting

Colour
The dense colour has a lovely dark ruby hue.

Nose
The nose mingles spicy scents like white pepper, black fruit like blueberry, leather, chocolate and garrigue scrub.

Palate
The delicious savour brought by red fruit notes and a nice acidity highlight a lovely structure accompanied by coated tannins. The finish is long and silky.

Food and wine pairing

Game or beef go marvellously with this wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Storage

Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2020 de Penfolds would be best tasted between 2023 and 2036 to release all its aromatic palette.