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Date Printed: 5/25/2013
Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 1997
Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 1997
 (search item no. 8633)

PRICE ON 5/25/2013: $25.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2010 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
2010 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
2009 Australian Wine Companion rating: 94 points
2009 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2008 Australian Wine Companion rating: 93 points
2008 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2007 Australian Wine Companion rating: 93 points
2006 Australian Wine Companion rating: 94 points
2006 Wine Spectator rating: 91 points
2006 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2006 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
2004 Australian Wine Companion rating: 91 points
2003 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
2003 The Wine News rating: 90 points
2002 The Wine Advocate rating: 87 points
2001 Wine Enthusiast rating: 87 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 88 points
1998 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points
1998 The Wine Advocate rating: 89 points
1998 International Wine Cellar rating: 87 points
1996 Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points
1996 Wine Spectator rating: 88 points
1995 International Wine Cellar rating: 87 points
1994 Australian Wine Companion rating: 90 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 Penfolds Bin 128 is one of the most distinctive reds in the Penfolds stable. Firstly, as a ''Coonawarra Shiraz'', it is one of the few Penfolds reds that isn't a multi regional blend. It is also one of only two Penfolds reds, Clare Estate being the other, to be matured solely in French oak - all other Penfolds reds make use of some American oak in the maturation process. This has not always been the case. Up till the late 70's Bin 128 was also matured in American oak. However, over time, the rich, sweet vanillin characters of the American barrels tended to mask the regional delicacy typical of Coonawarra Shiraz and so, as of 1980, only French oak has been used. French oak generally lends a wine understated, aromatic characters and is therefore a better choice with more subtly flavoured wines. Coonawarra typically produces zesty, spicy and supple Shiraz fruit that exhibits a richness of flavour and a mouth-filling roundness on the palate. Bin 128 is true to this style.
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About Penfolds Wines:

 Founded by a young, English doctor in 1844, Penfolds has been producing remarkable wines that have changed the landscape of Australian winemaking. Over the past century, Penfolds has indisputably led the development of Australian fine wine in the modern era. The introduction of Penfolds Grange in 1951 forever changed the landscape of Australian fine wine. Since then, a series of standout wines, both white and red, have been released under the Penfolds masthead. Under the direction of master winemaker, Peter Gago, Penfolds is now found in every major wine market in the country. Extraordinary wines such as Block 42 and Bin 60A have also been released during his tenure. Penfolds wines are now widely celebrated for their diversity and quality across many price-points. The strength of Penfolds is that the wine comes first. Penfolds' range of table wines is utterly Australian, evoking a generosity of spirit and the beauty of the Australian landscape.