Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2021

Winery Background and History

Penfolds, founded in 1844 in Adelaide, remains a cornerstone of Australian winemaking, blending tradition and innovation. The Bin 128 Shiraz, first released in 1962, stands out as a cool-climate, terroir-driven expression, always exclusively sourced from Coonawarra. It contrasts with warmer-climate Shiraz labels by emphasizing perfume, precision, and textural finesse, and pioneered Penfolds’ shift to French oak in the 1980s to complement its elegant character  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Under Chief Winemaker Peter Gago and his team, Bin 128 is crafted to showcase Coonawarra’s unique site characteristics. The team carefully manages fermentation and aging to preserve the region’s signature lift and structure. The switch to French hogsheads during maturation supports aromatic nuance and regional expression rather than overt oak intensity  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

This Shiraz is sourced solely from vineyards on the classic terra rossa red clay over limestone soils of Coonawarra—a region known for its maritime-influenced cool climate and long, even growing season. These conditions yield wines marked by aromatic intensity, elegance, and structural tension  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine underwent 12 months of maturation in French oak hogsheads, of which about 21% were new and 22% one-year-old. This elevage method, refined since the 1980s, gently frames the wine, enhancing savory complexity while preserving purity of fruit and regional clarity  .

Tasting Notes

Deep plum-purple in color, the nose opens with blue fruits, violets, and cracked black pepper, layered with wild mulberries, boysenberries, white strawberries, roast beef, paprika, Moroccan spices, and a touch of pencil shavings and struck match. On the palate, it is medium-weight with savory depth—black olives, pepper, paprika, almond kernel, and cardamom—wrapped in silky, finely-grained tannins and a precise acid spine, delivering elegance and age-worthy balance  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with dishes that echo its subtle spice and savory profile. Think duck breast with Moroccan spices, grilled lamb with rosemary and cracked pepper, savory charcuterie with olives and hard cheeses, or a mushroom and blue cheese tart—each dish accentuating the wine’s texture and aromatics  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16–18 °C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help open aromas and soften tannins, while a large Bordeaux-style glass enhances aromatic lift and layered texture.

Storage and Aging Potential

Enjoyable now, Bin 128 2021 can age gracefully through 2038. Over time, expect evolving tertiary notes—such as earthy spice, forest floor, and complex savory nuances—while maintaining the wine’s balance and poise  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Shiraz (Syrah)  .

ABV

14.5 %  .

Scores

• Huon Hooke – 95 Points 

• Anthony Gismondi – 91 Points