2018 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz

Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a subregional expression that is unmistakably Penfolds in character, they say. Conceived from the ancient soils of Marananga, which lie very close to the centre of the Barossa Valley floor – slightly to the north-west, where warm, dry conditions and rich red soil provide the backbone to some of the region’s best-known wines. Each release delivers a contemporary Shiraz alternative, framed by a mix of oaks; French and American, old and new – crafted in the 'Penfolds way'. Alternative to what, I wonder? Acidity 6.5 g/l, pH 3.69. Aged for 12 months in American oak (25% new, 25% one-year-old) and French oak (25% new, 25% one-year-old) hogsheads and puncheons. Dry conditions prevailed during vine dormancy and the start of the growing season, with Marananga experiencing autumn rainfall well below average, a trend that continued into the early part of winter. A quarter of the long-term average rainfall was achieved in June. The second half of winter was wetter, with vines entering the growing season with good soil-moisture profiles. Temperatures were below average during winter, however it warmed substantially through spring boosting vine growth and rushing the vines through flowering. Summer was dry, with no recorded major rainfall. This carried into January with a heat spike around veraison causing vines to shut down, pushing the start of harvest out by a week or so. The warm weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes, and this coupled with dry conditions set up a high-quality vintage. Very deep blackish purple. Impressive freshness on the nose coupled with some sweetness. Just the job! Combination of ripe, sweet fruit, a hint of Barossa boot polish and yet apparently natural acidity nicely integrated with the smooth Shiraz fruit. (JR)