The highlights of this year’s Penfolds Collection are Yattarna 2024 and St Henri 2023!

The trilogy of cool seasons across South Australia in 2021, 2022 and 2023 were particularly compelling, and while 2024 was generally warmer and drier, it has produced impressive and enduring exemplars of Bins 389, 169, 707 and Magill Estate.

For some reason that I do not understand, Penfolds has regressed back to corks for all of its red wines. My sample of Penfolds Superblend 802.A 2022 was cork tainted. I recently reviewed Wolf Blass Platinum Medlands Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (under the same Treasury Wine Estates umbrella), afflicted with the same taint. Both corks were coded “DT1”, so I presume there was a batch problem here. I haven’t yet heard back from the winemakers.

Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2025

$55; 13.0%; Screw cap

Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Tumbarumba; matured eight months in 23% new French oak barriques

‘The 2025 vintage delivered classic cool‑climate conditions across the three sourcing regions for Bin 311 Chardonnay, producing fruit of clarity, drive and restrained power, well suited to the Bin 311 style.’ – Kym Schroeter

This is a Bin 311 of layered complexity and texture, bringing together the depth of the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania and Tumbarumba in layers of white nectarine and grapefruit, confidently underlined by meal, ginger, spice and almond. Finely textured structure completes a vintage ready to drink now.

92 points

Drink 2026-2028

Penfolds Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2025

$125; 12.5%; Screw cap

Matured eight months in 58% new and 31% 1-year-old French oak barriques

‘Adelaide Hills chardonnay in 2025 was shaped by a cool to moderate growing season with good moisture availability and an extended ripening window. Summer temperatures were mild to warm without prolonged heat stress, preserving natural acidity and promoting slow flavour accumulation. Overall, 2025 favoured restraint and freshness, producing chardonnay with fine structure, energy and strong site definition.’ – Kym Schroeter

This is a Yattarna that unites the tension of a cool season with subtle exoticism and deep-set texture. Its signature gunflint reduction contrasts a core of grapefruit and lemon cut, well integrated with the roast nut complexity of classy French oak. Impeccably polished and finely crafted, this is a Reserve Bin A that unites commanding power with coiled tension and consummate confidence.

96 points

Drink 2027-2040

Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2024

$220; 12.5%; Screw cap

Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills, Tasmania; matured eight months in 56% new and 24% 1-year-old French oak barriques

‘The 2024 season for Yattarna chardonnay was defined by cool climate conditions across Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania, with long, even growing seasons. The season favoured natural acidity retention and structural precision, with clean, well‑defined fruit profiles at picking, producing wines of restraint, allowing mineral detail, tension and varietal expression to take centre stage. A quietly assured release promising remarkable endurance.’ – Kym Schroeter

The coiled restraint of Yattarna is particularly compelling in 2024 and I love the tension and elegance that this blend embodies. White citrus is the theme, touched by eloquent struck flint reduction and perfectly integrated oak. I love its calm confidence, its slowly rising, commanding presence that builds but never looms, and most of all its seamless, hovering line and exceptional length. This is a Yattarna for the long game.

97 points

Drink 2034-2049

Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2025

$55; 13.5%; Cork

Tasmania, Yarra Valley; matured in 22% new French oak barriques

‘The 2025 vintage reflected the cool‑climate strengths of Tasmania and the Yarra Valley. Summer temperatures were largely mild, favouring slow, even ripening and retention of natural acidity, delivering pinot noir with poise, aromatic clarity and fine structure.’ – Tom Shanahan

I admire the contrast here between juicy, lively raspberry, strawberry and raspberry jube fruit and the moderating presence of confident, fine-grained tannins, energised by cool season acidity in Tasmania and the Yarra. It leads our playful and concludes serious.

93 points

Drink 2026-2030

Penfolds Bin 21 Grenache 2025

$60; 14.5%; Cork

Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale; matured ten months in 28% new French oak hogsheads

‘Early summer temperatures remained moderate, and from January onward, conditions trended dry and warm, allowing Grenache to ripen gradually with good retention of acidity. A season that favoured vibrancy, perfume and freshness has shaped a Bin 21 with bright energy, supple tannins and rustic varietal character.’ – Steph Dutton

This is a grenache that embraces the juxtaposition between the structural confidence instilled by a warm and dry harvest, and the brightness and lift of a moderate summer.  Ripe wild strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb fruit is beautifully woven with fine-grained, powdery tannins. It’s engaging from the outset, with the structural integrity for medium-term promise.

94 points

Drink 2026-2033

Penfolds Bin 138 Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2024

$60; 14.5%; Cork

48% grenache, 46% shiraz, 6% mataro; matured nine months in 63% seasoned French and 37% American oak hogsheads

‘The 2024 Barossa Valley vintage was shaped by a dry, low‑vigour start followed by a warm, settled ripening period, conditions well suited to the Rhône varieties. A warm and dry vintage growing season has delivered perfume, spice, ripe tannins, savoury depth and balance.’ – Henry Slattery

There’s a savoury complexity and structural confidence to the warm and dry 2024 season in the Barossa. Shiraz plays strong here, characterised by fully ripe blackberry and black plum fruit, with the confident support of fine-grained, drying fruit and oak tannins. A vintage for protein pairings.

92 points

Drink 2026-2032

Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2024

$75;14.5%; Screw cap

Matured 12 months in 12% new French oak hogsheads

‘Vintage 2024 in Coonawarra delivered a season of contrasts, resulting in small berries and firm tannins, suiting the tension and terra rossa character of Bin 128 Shiraz.’ – Andrew Hales

There’s a distinct contrast at play here between the blackberry and liquorice fruit density and firm, fine tannins of small berries and the tang infused by cool Coonawarra air. The result is a Bin 128 of concentration and endurance.

93 points

Drink 2034-2044

Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2024

$50; 14.5%; Cork

McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Clare Valley, Fleurieu; matured 12 months in 9% new American oak hogsheads

‘The 2024 vintage delivered a warm, structured season across South Australia, producing ripe fruit, firm tannins and Bin 28’s hallmark power and generosity. A bold expression of warm climate shiraz.’ – Shavaughn Wells

This is a Bin 28 of structure and frame, shamelessly embracing the generosity of a warm season across South Australia. Blackberry and satsuma plum fruit of considerable depth and full ripeness, even bordering on prunes, is well supported by fine-grained tannins that confidently carry a finish of good persistence. A well assembled Bin 28 of persistence and fullness.

92 points

Drink 2034-2039

Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2024

$100; 14.5%; Cork

Matured 16 months in 3% new and 61% seasoned French and 2% new and 34% seasoned American oak hogsheads

‘The 2024 vintage in Marananga was shaped by a dry, restrained start followed by a warm, settled finish, delivering small berries, firm tannins and the customary depth and savoury structural characteristics of Marananga.’ – Alex MacKenzie

The savoury complexity and firm, dusty tannin profile of Marananga are accentuated in the dry and warm 2024 harvest, making for a Bin 150 of firm structure and ripe fruit presence. Black plums, black berries and prunes are backed with dark chocolate oak and robust tannin grip. A rare steak is mandatory!

92 points

Drink 2034-2039

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2023

$135; 14.5%; Cork

McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Frankland River, Port Lincoln, Padthaway; matured 12 months in large, seasoned oak vats

‘The growing season leading into vintage 2023 was characterised by a cool, wet La Niña influence across southern Australia. Summer was largely mild, allowing for a long, slow ripening period and a was later than average harvest across all the contributing regions. A long, cool season has delivered depth and structure allowing the wine’s savoury complexity to unfold naturally over time.’ – Steph Dutton

The blessing of long, slow ripening afforded by a mild season is particularly well suited to St Henri, making for a standout among recent releases. I admire its depth of colour, its detail and precision of lifted violets and black fruits, and most of all the confidence with which it rises in freeze-frame determination through a finish of magnificent brightness and allure. Large oak vats open out effortless expansiveness, emphasising concentration without broadness. A standout of this year’s Penfolds release, with an incredible future before it.

97 points

Drink 2038-2053

Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 2024

$180; 14.5%; Cork

Matured 18 months in 67% new French oak and 33% 1-year-old American oak hogsheads

There’s a sweet-fruited, supple mood to Magill that contrasts with the enduring confidence of strong, fine-grained tannins that the 2024 harvest exemplifies. Particularly deep and impenetrable in hue, it’s laced with sweet, ripe berry fruits of all kinds, underlined by liquorice and high-class dark chocolate American oak. A Magill for the ages.

96 points

Drink 2039-2049

Penfolds RWT Bin 798 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2024

$220; 14.5%; Cork

Matured 14 months in 82% new and 18% 1-year-old French oak hogsheads

‘The 2024 vintage was marked by an early start and generally dry and warm conditions. This release reflects a season that delivered concentration and weight, captured at an ideal point of flavour ripeness and expression.’ – Shavaughn Wells

Embracing the depth and frame of the Barossa, the dry and warm 2024 harvest has made for an RWT of power and presence. Deep in colour and in black fruit presence, it’s layered with liquorice and high cocoa dark chocolate. Firm, finely structured fruit and oak tannins draw out a long finish and promise an impressive future.

95 points

Drink 2039-2049

Penfolds FWT 585 Vin de France Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot 2023

$100; 14%; Cork

46% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot, 9% petit verdot; matured 12 months in 24% new French and 15% new American oak barriques

‘Vintage 2023 in Bordeaux unfolded as a contrasting but ultimately rewarding season. Cabernet sauvignon benefited from late season dry and warm weather, achieving depth, freshness and firm tannins.’ – Shauna Bastow

A Bordeaux cabernet blend of accurate blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, supported by firm, finely textured oak and fruit tannins, albeit without exceptional line, length, presence or detail. A pleasant, medium-bodied claret that will appreciate a decade in the cellar

92 points

Drink 2033-2043

Penfolds FWT 543 Vin de France Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

$100; 14.5%; Cork

80% south of France syrah, 20% Bordeaux cabernet sauvignon; matured 12 months in 13% new French and 19% new American oak barriques

‘In the south of France, the Syrah vineyards experienced a warm and settled summer, allowing flavours to build gradually while retaining freshness. In Bordeaux, warmth through late summer and early autumn encouraged full cabernet sauvignon maturity.’ – Shauna Bastow

The great Australian blend takes on a different shape, built on the fleshy black fruits of a warm summer in the south of France, with the structural framework of Bordeaux cabernet. Sweet, ripe, dark presence and high cocoa dark chocolate contrast tangy acidity and firm, fine French and American oak tannins.

91 points

Drink 2033-2043

Penfolds CWT 521 Cabernet Sauvignon Marselan 2024

$150; 15%; Cork

73% Shangri‑La cabernet sauvignon, 16% Ningxia marselan; matured 14 months in 18% new French and 18% new American oak hogsheads

‘The high altitude of the vineyards of Shangri‑La provides ideal cool, dry conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. Ningxia contributes structure and depth, while Shangri‑La adds lift and freshness. The 2024 vintage in Ningxia and Yunnan was defined by above average rainfall.’ – Reno Liu

Sweet and sour flavours contrast ripe, spicy berry fruit with tart acidity, accented with exotic spice and underlined by firm, coarse tannins.

89 points

Drink 2029-2039

Penfolds Bin 600 California Cabernet Shiraz 2023

$90; 14.5%; Cork

73% Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon, 27% shiraz mostly from Paso Robles; Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Sonoma County; matured 16 months in 45% new American oak barriques

‘The 2023 vintage for Bin 600 combined two distinct but complementary growing seasons in California. In Napa Valley, summer progressed with largely mild to warm conditions and limited heat extremes, allowing a steady ripening curve, strong tannin development and preserved freshness. Paso Robles experienced warmer conditions through summer, encouraging generous flavour development and savoury depth without over ripeness, contributing richness, spice and mid-palate generosity.’ – Andrew Baldwin

Penfolds has done an admirable job of transferring the definitive Australian blend of cabernet and shiraz to California. The juiciness and depth of Paso Robles shiraz melds well with the structural intensity of Napa cabernet. A dense core of blackcurrants and cassis is neatly entwined with firm, fine tannins that promise a lifespan of Penfolds proportions.

95 points

Drink 2038-2048

Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

$125; 14.5%; Cork

Matured 16 months in 45% new French oak barriques

‘The 2023 growing season in Napa Valley was defined by a late and measured progression that favoured balance, detail, and structure. Summer conditions were warm but even, with few extreme heat events and pronounced diurnal shifts that supported slow and sustained ripening, producing wines of freshness, precision and layered complexity.’ – Megan Twitchell

The depth of concentration and structural confidence of Napa cabernet are well exemplified here. This is a variety that loves a long and sustained ripening season, creating a style of impressive blackcurrant and cassis fruit, backed with high cocoa dark chocolate oak. Harmonious and enduring.

95 points

Drink 2038-2048

Penfolds Bin 149 Wine of the World Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

$275; 14.5%; Cork

Napa Valley, South Australia; matured 16 months in 78% new French oak and 22% new American oak barriques

‘In the Napa Valley, summer settled into warm but even conditions without prolonged heat extremes, delivering cabernet sauvignon with freshness, depth and refined tannin structure. In South Australia, cooler conditions generally prevailed, and a mild, even harvest delivered cabernet sauvignon with beautiful, perfumed aromatics and fine tannins. Napa Valley regional sourcing seeks to showcase strong tannic foundations and dark fruit intensity, which, when combined with South Australian restraint and line, delivered a wine of precision, layering and longevity.’ – Andrew Baldwin

As odd as blending cabernet from Napa with South Australia seems, Penfolds has perfected the art and 2023 is an exemplar of its success. Napa delivers its sweet cassis voluptuousness, for which the blackcurrant crunch and tang of South Australia is the perfect foil. Intricately woven, firm, fine, confident tannins spell out a long future indeed.

96 points

Drink 2043-2058

Penfolds Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

$450; 14.5%; Cork

Single vineyard; matured 16 months in 100% new American oak barriques

‘The 2023 vintage in Oakville unfolded as a cool and deliberate growing season that favoured structure and finesse. Summer temperatures were warm but measured, with few extreme heat days and strong diurnal contrast that supported slow and even ripening.’ – Megan Twitchell

A cabernet sauvignon for the long haul, embracing the presence of Napa with the enduring, firm tannin framework of new American oak that characterises the Penfolds structure. Cassis and blackcurrant fruit meet dark chocolate, in a full-bodied style that demands a hearty char-grilled steak.

93 points

Drink 2038-2053

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

$130; 14.5%; Cork

Coonawarra, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Wrattonbully, Barossa Valley; matured 12 months in 16% new and 36% seasoned French and American 5% new and 43% seasoned oak hogsheads

‘Vintage 2024 combined a restrained early season with a warm, dry finish across southern South Australia. A season that delivered concentrated, small berries, firm tannins and savoury intensity has shaped a wine of balance, confidence and longevity.’ – Steph Dutton

This is a Bin 407 particularly concentrated in both black fruit presence and tannin structure, thanks to small berries in this warm, dry and early season. It’s characterised by a more savoury mood and dustier, more grainy tannins, holding impressive intensity and enduring power.

94 points

Drink 2039-2049

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2024

$120; 14.5%; Cork

53% cabernet sauvignon, 47% shiraz; Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway; matured 13 months in 34% new American oak hogsheads

‘Vintage 2024 combined a restrained early season with a warm, dry finish across southern South Australia. A season that delivered concentrated, small berries, firm tannins and savoury intensity has shaped a wine of balance, confidence and longevity.’ – Steph Dutton

Penfolds’ depth of sourcing and blending dexterity has again elevated Bin 389 to transcend its warm, early and dry season. Impressive depth of black fruit colour and flavour is backed with signature liquorice and dark chocolate, framed in an impressive, brittle scaffold of fruit and American oak tannins that promise a lifetime of 389 proportions.

96 points

Drink 2044-2059

Penfolds Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

$300; 14.5%; Cork

Matured 18 months in 79% new French oak hogsheads

‘The 2024 growing season in Coonawarra was marked by below average rainfall and a warmer-than-average ripening period, favouring concentration, tannin definition and regional clarity. It delivers poise and precision, with the kind of structure that invites cellaring rather than urgency.’ – Andrew Hales

Coonawarra cabernet takes this warm and dry season in its stride, enlivened with the vibrancy of the south. Depth of colour and blackcurrant intensity declare perfectly ripe fruit, with the confident backing of lively acidity and a strong undercurrent of firm, fine tannins. This is an impressive Bin 169 for the cellar.

96 points

Drink 2044-2059

Penfolds Superblend 802.A 2022

$900; South Australia; 14.5%; Cork

59% cabernet sauvignon, 41% shiraz; primarily from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Coonawarra; matured 18 months separately in new American oak hogsheads; a blend of parcels destined for Grange and Bin 707; first release since the inaugural 2018s

The ‘A’ rendition of Penfolds Superblend comprises 59% cabernet and 41% shiraz, matured separately in new American oak hogsheads. Think Grange meets 707, which is precisely where these parcels were initially destined. I love the way the structure of cabernet is fused with the body of shiraz and the framework of American oak, an art which Penfolds has mastered more than any other. It’s impeccably engineered for the long game. The first bottle was cork-tainted.

97 points

Drink 2052-2062

Penfolds Superblend 802.B 2022

$900; South Australia; 14.5%; Cork

69% cabernet sauvignon, 31% shiraz; primarily from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Coonawarra; matured 18 months together in 54% new and 46% one-year-old French oak hogsheads; a blend of parcels destined for Grange and Bin 707; first release since the inaugural 2018s        Penfolds’s first Superblend release since the inaugural 2018 represents a powerful and confidently structured blend engineered for the long haul.

The ‘B’ edition is co-matured (unusual for Penfolds) in new and used French oak hogsheads, bringing a wonderful synergy to cabernet (69%) and shiraz. A classic core of cabernet blackcurrant and shiraz blueberry is wrapped in deep folds of dark chocolate oak. Fine tannins deliver tremendous structure and enormous endurance.

97 points

Drink 2042-2062

Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

$800; 14.5%; Cork

Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway; matured 16 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads

‘The 2024 growing season delivered a focused and structured year for cabernet sauvignon across Coonawarra, Barossa Valley and Padthaway. A warm and dry season contributed to small berries and concentration. Cooler nights and a settled April allowed measured harvest decisions, delivering cabernet sauvignon of firm structure, savoury detail and clarity, well suited to the Bin 707 style.’ – Peter Gago

The small berries of the warm and dry 2024 harvest have given birth to a Bin 707 of commanding longevity, even in the context of the grand endurance that has forever characterised this label. While the nose carries great depth of the hallmarks of blackcurrant, cassis and the high cocoa dark chocolate influence of 100% new American oak, the palate calls for an exceedingly long time indeed to uncoil and unravel. Its tannin structure holds every promise of carrying it the full distance.

97 points

Drink 2054-2074

Penfolds Grange 2022

$1000; 14.5%; Cork

The 72^nd consecutive vintage, released to mark the 75^th anniversary of Grange; 97% shiraz, 3% cabernet sauvignon; more than 85% Barossa Valley, with McLaren Vale and Coonawarra; matured 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads.

‘The 2022 vintage was defined by a cool and measured growing season across South Australia, favouring structure, precision and longevity for Grange. Low yields, a mild summer, extended ripening and healthy canopies delivered small berries, firm tannin structure and controlled power. Reminiscent of which recent Grange vintage? Arguably may have to go back to the 1998.’ – Peter Gago

In the billowing proportions that define Grange, it always tends to be the cooler seasons that I favour, and 2022 embraces all of its power amidst tremendous complexity. All the Grange hallmarks are here, in full cinematic dimensions: fresh liquorice straps, coal steam, black olives, cocoa and crushed ants. Magnificent concentration like only Grange can deliver is supported by a full fanfare of fruit and new American oak tannin structure of fine-grained texture and immense intensity. Another great vintage for Grange, with an incredible future before it!

97 points

Drink 2052-2067