Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mataro 2017 Screw 澳洲奔富紅酒設拉子歌海娜瑪塔羅

Bin 138 draws its inspiration from the wines of Southern Rhône, where Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (Mourvèdre) are blended in varying proportions to create full-bodied wines possessing rich and heady perfume. Each year fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from Barossa Valley vines and then matured for 12 to 15 months in seasoned oak hogsheads to allow the different varietals to shine through. Bin 138 is defined by its distinctive plum, raspberry pastille and underlying spicy notes. The first vintage release of this varietal blend was the 1992, labelled ‘Old Vine Barossa Valley’ – it was then elevated to Bin status for the 1998 vintage. WHEN TO DRINK Drinking well now, but will improve with time. Peak drinking now - 2028. TASTE DESCRIPTION Colour Bright cranberry red Nose Comfortably embedded in the savoury spectrum – scents detected of charcuterie cold meats, a balsamic reduction. And, alike all 2017 Penfolds reds, fresh fruits elude with air. At this stage aromas of pencil lead, dried muscatel and seared pink peppercorn crusted beef do not offer overt Barossa regional cues. Palate notes below hopefully more compliant! No oak to speak of ... Palate Not noted aromatically on 19/6/19, but certainly immediately tasted - earthy Barossa elements abound, coupled with earlier detected savoury red meats. An agglomerate of assorted tannin shapes derived from the trio of shiraz, grenache and mataro set the textural stage – in parallel with a juicy/fruity succulence. A deconstructed Massaman Thai curry accompaniment – direct from the recipe book: cardamom, cinnamon, clove, star anise, cumin, bay leaf and nutmeg. All three varieties carry their weight, all three generously add to the mix. Bin 138. SCORES 17+/20 Points - Matthew Jukes 94 Points - Tony Love 93 Points - Andrew Caillard MW 93 Points - Angus Hughson 93 Points - Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com 91 Points - Huon Hooke 90 Points - Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate WINEMAKER QUOTES “Resisting the temptation to use new oak, upping the alcohol, or fruit outside of the Barossa, or adhering to a fixed cépage, … No need. 2.5 decades on – Bin 138 continues to evolve, true to style.” - Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker TECHNICAL INFORMATION Origin: Barossa Valley, South Australia. Maturation: Seasoned French and American oak hogsheads. Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 6.2 g/L, pH: 3.58. Variety: 68% Shiraz, 23% Grenache and 9% Mataro. VINTAGE CONDITIONS In stark contrast to the previous year, winter and spring rainfall was well above the long-term average setting the vines up for a strong start to the growing season. Most of the spring rain fell during September, with long-standing records broken. Windy conditions in October helped dry out the vineyards, and ensured there were no significant frost events to concern viticulturalists. The temperatures over the growing season were generally cool, with only March being above the long-term average. It was the second hottest March recorded over a 30-year period. From late March the weather cooled significantly creating Indian summer conditions that extended ripening. Although berry and bunch weights were up on average, flavours were well developed thanks to the extra hang time.