2013 was a warm, dry, early harvest of low yields, producing a blend of depth and intensity of liquorice and black pastilles, underlined by firm, slightly clunky tannins. The black fruits of shiraz (86%( take the lead, supported by the earthy, savoury nuances of mataro (14%). For the record, a blend of Padthaway, McLaren Vale, […]

read

Mild days and cool nights in Eden Valley from late-January until March have produced a riesling of fruit concentration, poised, cool season acidity and good persistence. Red apple and lemon fruit edges toward mandarin. I’d like to see a little less ripeness and more subtle structure; some phenolic grip on the finish points toward an […]

read

A Bin 28 of depth, structure and intensity, reflecting the dry, warm conditions and early, condensed harvest of 2013. It’s plush and rich, with concentrated black plum and dark berry fruits accented with liquorice and dark chocolate, framed in firm, drying tannins that carry good persistence and medium-term potential. A blend of Barossa Valley, McLaren […]

read

Penfolds new release tastings have now been scheduled to August, and although 128 has already been in the market for five months, the additional time since its release has certainly helped it, now accurately displaying the black plum skin and cracked pepper definition that flatters Coonawarra shiraz. It’s framed neatly in dark chocolate oak and […]

read

Far too many Penfolds reds are consumed on release yet benefit more than most from a few years if not a few decades in the cellar. We all need something to drink while we’re waiting, and Bin 138 2013 is the answer, a joyful and flamboyant blend of berry compote and exotic spice, backed by […]

read

Penfolds makes Adelaide Hills pinot noir that tastes, well, as much of Penfolds as it does of Adelaide Hills pinot noir. No doubt the structure and grip of nine months in 68% new French oak barriques has a lot to do with this. 2014 is not a season for such a high dose of new […]

read

Penfolds Senior White Winemaker Kym Schroeter is quietly critical of his 2013 and 2014 Tumbarumba chardonnays for their fuller and richer style, saying he’d like to see more fine mineral character. He’s too hard on himself, and is to be applauded for such a refined and well crafted Bin 311 from a season of hot, […]

read

“2013 is a really strong vintage for us across all areas,” says Penfolds Senior red Winemaker, Steve Lienert. “A good year, a little more concentrated than 2012, and structurally a bit denser due to lower yields and drought conditions.” He rates it up with 2010, long-lived, yet different in style. My impressions are slightly less […]

read

Another grand release in the great lineage of 407, this is an impeccably varietal cabernet of intricately engineered structure and incredible longevity. Blackcurrant and cassis fruit are framed skilfully in lively acidity and the dark chocolate and coffee of classy French (26% new) and American (12% new) oak. Fruit and oak tannins unite seamlessly to […]

read

A quintessential, powerful and structured Marananga that calls for patience in the cellar. Layers of black fruits, liquorice and hints of game define a deep and brooding northern Barossa shiraz, with classic Marananga milk chocolate lingering long through the finish, confidently supported by a firm, fine cage of French and American oak tannins (14% new […]

read