Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mataro

It’s a little over 20 years since Penfolds first added the Bin 138 to their line-up, a Barossa blend inspired by the reds of the Rhone Valley in southern France. This is a fruit driven blend of full bodied Baross Shiraz (65%), ripe and juicy Grenache (29%), and Mataro (6%) – also known as Mourvedre in France and Monastrell in Spain.

Bin 138’s always been a big hit with us, it’s one of the first wines we’re keen to knock the top off each Penfolds’ release! We weren’t disappointed with this 2020 release and neither have the usual round of critics…

94/100 & Top Rank Award (Huon Hooke, The Real Review)
“Very deep, rich red-purple hue; very savoury earth and dried-herb bouquet, less reminiscent of grenache than the other varieties, the palate full-bodied and rich, fleshy and supple, the fruit-sweetness moderate and suffused with savoury tannins in lovely harmony. This is a cracker and right up to its reputation. Very enjoyable already. (65% shiraz, 29% grenache, 6% mataro)”

90/100 (James Halliday’s Wine Companion)
“The percentages of the three varieties weren’t revealed, but the region is 100% Barossa Valley, and the 12 months’ maturation was in French hogsheads (12.5% new). A good wine in the traditional Bin 138 mould. Drink now or later.”

A bright, medium bodied red that’ll drink well between now and into 2037. Head to Penfolds’ own Magill Estate Restaurant and they’ll pair this wine with taro gnocchi with braised hare, roast peppers and saba. Pretty flash, but a slab of good old Kiwi lamb will do just nicely as well.