Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvedre 2021

Winery Background and History

Penfolds, established in 1844 in Adelaide, is a cornerstone of Australian winemaking known for its “Bin” series—a line of wines characterized by regional blending and stylistic consistency. Bin 2, first released in 1960, featured “Australian Burgundy”-style Shiraz and was temporarily discontinued during the white wine trend of the 1970s. The label was revived to showcase a Rhône-style blend of Shiraz and Mourvèdre, offering approachable, savoury elegance. Interest in Bin 2 continues to grow as Rhône varietals gain popularity in Australia  .

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine is crafted by Penfolds’ in-house winemaking team under Chief Winemaker Peter Gago. Adhering to Penfolds’ philosophy, the team sources fruit from diverse regions to blend for balanced structure and consistent house style, emphasizing savoury elegance over overt power. The production approach remains faithful to the original medium-bodied, fruit-forward style  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from multiple South Australian regions—Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. These regions offer warm climates ideal for ripeness along with cooler sites that enhance texture and complexity. The vintage benefited from mild temperatures, cooler autumn conditions, and slow, even ripening, yielding balanced fruit and elegant structure  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine spent 12 months in American and French oak hogsheads—approximately 4 percent new oak, with the rest seasoned—ensuring subtle oak influence that supports the fruit without overwhelming it  .

Tasting Notes

Dense cherry-red in appearance. The nose is savoury-led with aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, satsuma plum, meaty pan-scrapings, cardamom, baking spices, charcuterie meats, and quince paste  . On the palate, well-integrated Shiraz and Mataro flavors evoke cured meats, roast game (venison loin), and duck rillettes on toasted lavosh. There’s a touch of savoury oak with a char-like edge—similar to seared peppered beef—supported by soft tannins and fine acidity, leading to an approachable and versatile finish  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with autumnal and savory dishes such as roast venison, duck rillettes, charcuterie, and cured meats. The wine’s balanced structure and savoury profile make it a natural match for game, meaty stews, and rich, spiced preparations  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve slightly below room temperature, around 16–18 °C. A short decant (20–30 minutes) helps open aromas and soften tannins. Use a medium-bodied red wine glass to allow the layered aromatics to emerge.

Storage and Aging Potential

This approachable vintage is ready to drink now and over the next 3–5 years. Its rounded texture and balanced acidity suggest moderate short-to-mid-term aging potential but it’s best enjoyed sooner to retain vibrancy.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Shiraz 84 %

Mataro (Mourvèdre) 16 % 

ABV

14.5 % 

Scores

• James Suckling – 92 Points