2012 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz
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Tasting notes
Created in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine that reflects the 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 as more fitting to the style. TA 6.2 g/l, pH 3.6. 13 months in 26% new French oak, 37% 1-year-old French oak, 37% two-year-old. Deep dark cherry red. Restrained at first and then a minty Coonawarra character. Ripe, minty/eucalypt styled but also deliciously ripe dark fruit, becoming a little floral as it opens. Deep and rich and kind on the palate. No barrel ferment. Spicy and full flavoured but the tannins are fine even though they are deep and rounded. Juicy finish but the acid seems added? More of the flavour up front than length. Acid seems to stick out a bit on the finish? (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz shows a youthfully muted nose of black and red plums, mulberries plus hints of pepper, charcoal, damp earth and sage. The medium to full-bodied palate centers on a decent core of mid-palate fruit structured by medium levels of chewy tannins and lively acid. It finishes long. 5,110 bottles were made. Drink it now to 2020+. Imported by Treasury Wine Estates, Napa, CA
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.