Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2004
Syrah/Shiraz
from Coonawarra, Australia
winemaker's notes:
Launched in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine
that reflects the unique climate and growing conditions
of South Australia's Coonawarra district and the relatively
elegant style of cool-climate Shiraz. From the 1980 vintage,
French oak replaced American, highlighting the pepper,
spice and floral characteristics that define this style. Since the
mid-1980's, greater attention has been paid to fruit ripeness,
resulting in a wine that is fuller in style and structure.
Color: A vibrant and glistening, raspberry red.
Nose: The nose shows an immediate, tell-tale cool
climate waft of ground black pepper. Notes of
sarsaparilla, cola, soy, dark fruits and a hint of
bayleaf follow with a swirl of the glass. Cedary
oak aromas provide a background, with the
slightest suggestion of an aligned char.
Palate: As enticing as the flavor mix of red licorice,
juniper and rhubarb may be, it is
the mouthwatering acidity, coupled with
the fine, grainy tannins that are the current
palate feature.
The 2004 Bin 128 is a medium
bodied wine of impressive length and flavor
persistence. Across five decades, this single-region,
French-oaked Shiraz from Coonawarra
naturally displays more vintage variation
than its stablemate, Bin 28. The 2004 vintage
is true to style, and what's more, one of the
stronger Bin 128's.
Food matches: beef, duck & game, lamb
