Penfolds Bin 138 Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
An $8 price hike brings Bin 138 in line with Bin 128 and Bin 28 for the first time, but it remains a simpler wine, without nearly the same structure or stamina. Grenache takes a confident lead (exactly half the blend), with its signature raspberry, strawberry and blackberry fruits, notes of mixed spice and fruit cake. Shiraz (27%) and mourvèdre (23%) lend fine, supple tannins and an absence of new oak makes for a fruit-focused and approachable style. It’s an appealing wine with an attractive fruit profile and good persistence, but is it worth $38? No.
By Tyson Stelzer
23 Feb 2012
Tyson Stelzer is a multi-award winning wine writer, television host and producer and international speaker. He was named The International Wine & Spirit Communicator of the Year, The Australian Wine Communicator of the Year and The International Champagne Writer of the Year. He is the author and publisher of seventeen wine books, contributor to many wine magazines, a frequent judge and chair at Australian wine shows and a presenter at wine events in 12 countries. TysonStelzer.com is your link to wine recommendations, book sales, tours and events.
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