2018 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz

One of the few Penfolds reds matured exclusively in French oak, the 2018 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz shows a fair bit of vanilla and cedar on the nose, complemented by blueberries, raspberries and peppery spice. Medium to full-bodied, it's not as big or rich as the other Shiraz in the portfolio, but it's attractive for its smooth, silky feel and intricate spice shadings. It should drink well for at least a decade.

With each vintage release the cool-climate Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz provides an interesting counterpoint to the more opulent and richly concentrated warm-climate Kalimna ® Bin 28 Shiraz. Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and seductive nature of cool-climate red table wines. Coonawarra has remained the source of Shiraz fruit for Bin 128 since the inaugural release of the 1962 vintage. In order to further enhance the regional qualities of Bin 128, the wine is matured in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads, élevage that was refined during the 1980s when the transition was made from American to French oak. Acidity 6.8 g/l, pH 3.59. Aged 12 months in French oak hogsheads (26% new) . Coonawarra enjoyed near long-term average winter rainfall, and slightly below average spring rainfall. Following frost on 4 November the region welcomed warmer temperatures across the remainder of the month, 3.6 °C above the long-term average thanks to a combination of high minimum and maximum temperatures. Coonawarra experienced 13 days of temperature greater than 35 °C during the months of January, February and March, with the longest spell spanning three days (17–19 January). The hottest day recorded was 42 °C on 19 January. From December to mid April conditions were very dry, delivering only 50 mm of rain, which is half the normal rainfall. Consequently, there was no disease pressure. Mild conditions prevailed over the harvest, which allowed grapes to ripen with optimal flavour and fine tannins. Muddy dark crimson with a pale rim. Strong cassis and balsam notes on the nose. And then rather notable (added?) acidity on the palate. Good pure fruit but that acidity seems just a bit too much at present, and not exactly luscious on the finish. Pure Coonawarra character though. (JR)